Achieving Your Full Potential Through Down Syndrome Awareness By Mike Selvon

The main goal of Down syndrome understanding is to celebrate the diversity of life and promote the acceptance of families and individuals with the condition. Lobbyists ensure that adults with Down syndrome have equal opportunity access to housing, schooling and jobs.

Organizations, like the National Down Syndrome Society, have helped people with Down syndrome fight for their legal rights and lobby for better educational programs. At its core, Down syndrome awareness is about enabling everyone to achieve his or her full potential, despite a disability.

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is "to benefit people with this disability and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy." They feel that everyone has the right to reach their potential and that people with such a disability should have the opportunity to make choices affecting their lives.

Part of Down syndrome knowledge is pushing for better educational programs to help children with Down syndrome achieve their goals. Through the organization, parents can collect valuable resources and connect with local support groups. Down syndrome children can link up with local programs sponsored in part by NDSS, where they can foster a love of art, music or sports and gain the necessary tools to live a relatively independent life.

In addition to Chris Burke, from "Life Goes On" and "Touched by an Angel," there are many other notable individuals with this disability who are ambassadors for Down Syndrome Awareness and serve as inspiration for Down syndrome children, adults and families. Actors include: Stephane Ginnsz (Duo), Max Lewis (Notes on a Scandal), Edward Barbanell (The Ringer) and award winner Paula Sage (AfterLife, BBC Scotland's River City soap).

Additionally, Joey Moss works as a locker room attendant for the Edmonton Oilers, Judith Scott works as an artist, Miguel Tomasin is the singer for the Argentinian rock band "Reynols" and Karen Gaffney works as a swimmer and motivational speaker. There are also people with such a disability who are children of famous people, like Isabella Pujols, the adopted daughter of the St. Louis Cardinal's first basemen, or Johnny Stallings, son of former University of Alabama football coach Gene Stallings.

Down Syndrome Awareness has brought great medical advances in just thirty short years. Every day doctors are learning more and more about how the condition works genetically, as therapists learn better techniques for teaching the developmentally disabled. Perhaps one day there will be a pre-natal treatment to remove the extra genetic material on chromosome 21, or perhaps children and adults with Down syndrome will just become more valued by society, thanks to organizations, methods of inclusion and awareness campaigns.

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Diagnosis Down Syndrome - How to Handle the News That Your Baby Has DS By Inez Calender

If you are interested in reading about the condition known as Down syndrome, by now, you have probably read the definitions and history of Langdon Down's identification of the syndrome. You have probably read medial articles that explain the symptoms of Down syndrome, both physical and mental. You understand that the genetic condition causes significant developmental delays. You have probably seen pictures of both adults and children with DS.

But no investigation into the topic of Down syndrome is complete without delving into the actual lives of people and families who have been involved with a person who has Down syndrome, or meeting a few people who have the condition themselves. Viewing such folks on television does not count.

If you have a new baby who has been diagnosed with Downs, or have had prenatal testing that indicates that your child has Downs syndrome, do yourself a favor and find out what the condition means in the real world. When you find out what it is really like to live with a child or an adult who has Down syndrome, you will be better able to cope with the reality of the situation.

Clinical and educational information is all well and good, but does not thoroughly inform you.

First, read up on the subject. Read articles written by the parents of children with Down syndrome. Then, contact local organizations that can put you in touch with families affected by Down syndrome. Talk to the parents of children with this developmental disability. It may be very helpful to you to meet a person who actually has Downs syndrome.

Forty years ago, a family who had a new baby or young child with Downs was routinely encouraged to place the child in an institution. Today, prospective parents who receive the diagnosis through prenatal tests are often encouraged to abort the child. Both instances can be viewed as equally inhumane, in that the personhood of the child is not considered.

As medical technology has advanced, and society has advanced toward a more considerate appreciate and acceptance of differences and disabilities, the prospect of aborting a child with Down syndrome seems backward thinking and inhumane.

If you are pregnant and your doctor has suggested prenatal testing, go for it. Even if you are staunchly pro-life, the knowledge that you gain is valuable. Imagine, not having the tests, and suddenly being confronted with such a frightening diagnosis for you new baby. Chances are you would be shocked and confused.

But, if you are prepared ahead of time, you can research al the aspects of Downs syndrome so that you can greet your new baby without prejudice, without worry, or the feat that can be devastating without preparation.
Any child should be welcomed into the world with acceptance and joy. A new baby deserves unconditional love and should not be introduced to the world by anxious, fearful parents.

In this life, we are all flawed. A child with Down syndrome is first a child, everything else is secondary.

In any event, information will make life easier for you and your child.

http://hubpages.com/hub/10-Ways-A-Baby-With-Down-Syndrome-Will-Improve-Your-Life is an article by a mother who had a child with Down syndrome 37 years ago. She tells how her life has benefited from living with her daughter and relates the positive aspects of dealing with a child with a developmental disability.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Down-Syndrome---Strategies-for-Raising-a-Child-With-Down-Syndrome is an article that suggests ways to help your child with Downs syndrome lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

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Learning About the Down Syndrome Disability By Mike Selvon

Down syndrome is the most common developmental disability in the US. A Down syndrome baby is noticeable by the small ears, small head, small eyes, slightly upturned nose, flat facial features and round head. They will require more time developing, learning to breast feed, rolling over, walking, talking and dressing themselves. However, parents of babies with Down syndrome often say, if given the choice, they wouldn't change a thing and that raising their unique child was one of the greatest things they could have done with their lives.

When learning about Down syndrome, you will discover there is a build-up of additional genetic material on the 21st chromosome. Doctors aren't 100% sure what causes this abnormality, but they do know that parental age increases the risk. Eighty percent of Down syndrome babies are born to parents under 35, which is probably because more people in that age bracket are having children.

Statistically speaking, a 25-year-old woman has a 1/3,000 chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, while a 35-year-old-woman has 1/365 odds of having a Down syndrome baby. By 45 years of age, her baby has a 1/30 chance of having downs! It is very rarely passed down genetically and it is estimated that only 3-4% of all downs cases are caused from inherited translocation of genetic material, while the rest appear to be caused by random, abnormal chromosomal activity.

There are some common medical conditions that people with this chromosomal disorder may face. Half of Down syndrome babies are born with heart defects and increased susceptibility to illnesses. Often, they are born with a hearing impairment or poor vision, and will likely encounter a speech impediment, sleep apnea or chronic ear infections later down the road. As a parent, you'll need to find a trusted, specialized, medical practitioner. You may find local resources through the National Down Syndrome Society at "Ndss".

A support net is waiting for you; one mouse-click away. You can meet with other parents who have already gone through raising a child with Down syndrome. You can learn coping and teaching techniques or find an inspirational book that fills your heart with joy. Your life will be forever changed when any baby enters your life and you find that love can help you overcome anything. By participating in one of the many local community programs, you'll find greater strength.

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Alternative Treatment For Down Syndrome By Zach Smith

Down syndrome is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in infants. It does not only cause mental disabilities but physical malformation is also evident. Treatment for Down syndrome has been utilized over the years but with the advent of new and advanced therapies, new treatments were introduced.

Down syndrome develops when there are abnormal chromosomes in a person's body. Chromosomes transport genetic information to our cells. These chromosomes are the determinants in a person's appearance and functions.

Normally, the cells carry 2 sets of twenty-three chromosomes from each parent. This totals to forty-six chromosomes. For people with Down syndrome, one chromosome pair is damaged.

The cause of Down syndrome is due to the damage of chromosome #21. This chromosome can also take damage during the process of cell replication. The damage can also be done when the normal chromosome of the parents suddenly breaks into two. Either way, the result is Down syndrome.

Usually, babies are easily diagnosed with this condition because they manifest physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome. These physical characteristics include: flat figure of the face, small head, low-set or flat-bridged nose, small mouth with an unusually large tongue, eyes slanting upwards, round cheeks, small ears, wide hands, subnormal height, and malformed fifth finger.

As they get older, they manifest behavioral symptoms such as being withdrawn and unusually quiet. They also tend to be passive, unresponsive and weak.

There is actually no cure for this condition. However, the treatment for Down syndrome symptoms can be used.

Most people suffering from Down syndrome are visual and hearing impaired. To help them with this condition, they can use eyeglasses and hearing aids.

There are also special schools for children with Down syndrome. This can improve their behavior immensely by helping them socialize with other children. This is where they learn their self-worth and learn the values that are most important in living a good life.

There are also other herbal remedies that can ease tantrums and erratic behavior changes manifested by children with Down syndrome.

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Gifts For Kids With Down Syndrome By Alka Kheterpal

Down syndrome is a disorder which cannot be treated though there are techniques and tips to keep the developmental abilities of the kids and infants to be responsive to the environment.

If you are a grandparent or a person who needs to pick up a gift for a kid or a teen with Down syndrome you need to be well aware what Down syndrome is and what kind of gift works well with the kids with this disorder so as to not offend the sensibilities of the kid. Often the gifts need to be sensitive to the parents feeling too as it is they who have this child who is different than other kids.

The kids with Down syndrome have to be specifically geared to responds to the social fabric around them as well as be receptive to the needs of the social environment they are in. Down syndrome can affect the sensory movements of the kids or the moor movements of the kids.

The motor movements are of two types namely the large motor movements and the fine motor movements. The large motor movements are of the legs and arms. There are special gifts for kids who are slow to have these movements. These toys can be given as gifts for the kids for example toys with sounds or toys with special gyms in it which will help develop the strength in arms and legs.

The sensory skills of the kids with Down syndrome are also very weak and the best gifts for kids with Down syndrome are to give them things which can develop these skills. These gifts include the blankets or special paying quilts with big patches of different colors and sizes as that will help develop the sense of color and sizes.

Another very special need of kids with disorder sis need to have a companion they socialize with also they need to be told that they are sensitive and can be taken cares of. The need for emotional security is very foremost for them. Hence in the market place there are dolls which are made in cognizance of the above fact I have stated above regarding the need for emotional and social security.

Down Syndrome - Symptoms and Characteristics By Tom Chuong

One of the most common chromosomal disorders, Down syndrome is associated with the mental retardation and malformation in a newborn. The main cause of Down syndrome is the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. Generally children with Down syndrome show slower physical and mental development than a normal child. There may also be other health issues like dementia, hearing problems and problems with eyes, intestine, thyroid and skeleton. Women with late pregnancies are more prone to having children with Down syndrome.

The physical characteristics related to Down syndrome can vary from child to another. While some may have acute symptoms, others may experience mild symptoms. Most of the children with Down syndrome will have broad facial profile, a short neck, a broad forehead, an upward slant to the eye, white spots (Brushfield spots) in the iris of the eyes etc. They have a small mouth with slightly protruding tongue. They have short legs and arms and there are large spaces between the first and second toes.

Children with Down syndrome suffer from poor muscle tone. They also suffer from learning disabilities and weak reflexes.

Those with Down syndrome may also suffer from major health disorders like congenital heart defects, respiratory problems, and childhood leukemia and are likely to catch an infection quickly. Cardiac problems are mostly associated with this condition and such children suffer from progressive heart problems. The most common congenital heart defect in such children is Atrioventricular septal defect. Some children may have to undergo a heart surgery. Children with Down syndrome also suffer from recurring respiratory ailments like cough and cold.

Vision and hearing problems, epilepsy, skin problems and thyroid problems are also associated with Down syndrome. Such children may also be obese. They may suffer from hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and a scarcity of growth hormone.

Alternative Treatment For Down Syndrome By Zach Smith

Down syndrome is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in infants. It does not only cause mental disabilities but physical malformation is also evident. Treatment for Down syndrome has been utilized over the years but with the advent of new and advanced therapies, new treatments were introduced.

Down syndrome develops when there are abnormal chromosomes in a person's body. Chromosomes transport genetic information to our cells. These chromosomes are the determinants in a person's appearance and functions.

Normally, the cells carry 2 sets of twenty-three chromosomes from each parent. This totals to forty-six chromosomes. For people with Down syndrome, one chromosome pair is damaged.

The cause of Down syndrome is due to the damage of chromosome #21. This chromosome can also take damage during the process of cell replication. The damage can also be done when the normal chromosome of the parents suddenly breaks into two. Either way, the result is Down syndrome.

Usually, babies are easily diagnosed with this condition because they manifest physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome. These physical characteristics include: flat figure of the face, small head, low-set or flat-bridged nose, small mouth with an unusually large tongue, eyes slanting upwards, round cheeks, small ears, wide hands, subnormal height, and malformed fifth finger.

As they get older, they manifest behavioral symptoms such as being withdrawn and unusually quiet. They also tend to be passive, unresponsive and weak.

There is actually no cure for this condition. However, the treatment for Down syndrome symptoms can be used.

Most people suffering from Down syndrome are visual and hearing impaired. To help them with this condition, they can use eyeglasses and hearing aids.

There are also special schools for children with Down syndrome. This can improve their behavior immensely by helping them socialize with other children. This is where they learn their self-worth and learn the values that are most important in living a good life.

There are also other herbal remedies that can ease tantrums and erratic behavior changes manifested by children with Down syndrome.

Answering Your Down Syndrome Questions By Mike Selvon

Having a child is a huge responsibility. Even before the child is born there are things that expectant parents must do to ensure that their child is safe. But there are occasions and conditions that cannot be avoided. Down syndrome is not picky on what infant it strikes. It does not know socioeconomic barriers and there is no cure.

But there is hope for that child and his or her parents. Unlike the past, many children with this genetic disorder can still lead fulfilling lives. Thanks to new treatment options and available education, parents can help their child make it in this world. This article will cover some of the basics of this disorder and hopefully shed a little light on any questions you may have.

How do doctors identify it genetically?

While a woman is pregnant there are ways to determine if Down syndrome is present. The first test is a routine prenatal screening to detect a wide variety of disorders. If the test comes back positive for Down's syndrome, the mother has the option of having an amniocentesis performed.

During this procedure a needle is inserted into the abdomen and amniotic fluid is taken. The doctors can then test specifically for the disorder. The overwhelming sign of Down's syndrome is the presence of a 21st chromosome.

What are some characteristics of Down syndrome children?

There are certain characteristics that are associated with Down syndrome individuals. Their physical appearance will be similar. There will be a slanting of the eyes, a round face and often a distended tongue that can make speech difficult.

Often the individual will have poor muscle tone and can even have white flecks on the iris called Brushfield spots. Some of the characteristics will not be immediately obvious such as congenital heart defects, sleep apnea and more space between the big toe and the rest of the toes. Unfortunately having Down's syndrome also means having a degree of mental retardation.

Does a Down syndrome child need specialized care?

Yes, most Down syndrome children will need specialized care. The child may have a speech problem and need to work with a speech therapist. The child may have poor muscle tone and have to work with a physical therapist. If there are emotional barriers, the parents have to work with the child to help them adjust to school and different emotional situations that may arise.

Many Down's syndrome children have physical problems that have to be constantly monitored such as congenital heart defects. With the right treatment and care the child can learn to be full functioning as an adult. Some individuals with this genetic condition can even live by themselves and hold down jobs. It is even possible for them to marry and have a family.

How severe is the retardation associated with Down syndrome?

The mental retardation associated with Down syndrome varies from child to child. It can be quite pronounced with a mental IQ of less than 35. Mild retardation is classified by an IQ score of 50-70. The only way to find out the extent of the child's mental facilities is through testing. Some parents want to know and others prefer not to subject their children to further testing just to classify the mental abilities.

Down Syndrome Facts and Statistics By C L Talbert

Wikipedia states that, "Down syndrome, Down's syndrome, or trisomy 21 is a chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British doctor who described the syndrome in 1866. The disorder was identified as a chromosome 21 trisomy by Jérome Lejeune in 1959. The condition is characterized by a combination of major and minor differences in structure. Often Down syndrome is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth as well as facial appearance. Down syndrome can be identified during pregnancy or at birth."

People with Down Syndrome usually have lower than average cognitive ability and may have learning disabilities as well. It is estimated that 1 per 800 to 1,000 births result in babies with Down Syndrome. Expectant mother's over the age of 35 are at greater risk of having a baby with Down Syndrome. One out of every nineteen babies from mothers over the age 45 have Down Syndrome. Many standard prenatal screens can discover Down syndrome. Ask your doctor about these screenings if you are at risk.

Some physical characteristics of individuals with Down Syndrome include, muscle hypotonia (poor muscle tone), a protruding tongue (due to small oral cavity, and an enlarged tongue near the tonsils), a short neck, oblique eye fissures with epicanthic skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes, excessive joint laxity including atlanto-axial instability, and congenital heart defects. These are not all of the characteristics of Down Syndrome and people with this disorder may have just some or all of these.

Diagnosis Down Syndrome - How to Handle the News That Your Baby Has DS By Inez Calender

If you are interested in reading about the condition known as Down syndrome, by now, you have probably read the definitions and history of Langdon Down's identification of the syndrome. You have probably read medial articles that explain the symptoms of Down syndrome, both physical and mental. You understand that the genetic condition causes significant developmental delays. You have probably seen pictures of both adults and children with DS.

But no investigation into the topic of Down syndrome is complete without delving into the actual lives of people and families who have been involved with a person who has Down syndrome, or meeting a few people who have the condition themselves. Viewing such folks on television does not count.

If you have a new baby who has been diagnosed with Downs, or have had prenatal testing that indicates that your child has Downs syndrome, do yourself a favor and find out what the condition means in the real world. When you find out what it is really like to live with a child or an adult who has Down syndrome, you will be better able to cope with the reality of the situation.

Clinical and educational information is all well and good, but does not thoroughly inform you.

First, read up on the subject. Read articles written by the parents of children with Down syndrome. Then, contact local organizations that can put you in touch with families affected by Down syndrome. Talk to the parents of children with this developmental disability. It may be very helpful to you to meet a person who actually has Downs syndrome.

Forty years ago, a family who had a new baby or young child with Downs was routinely encouraged to place the child in an institution. Today, prospective parents who receive the diagnosis through prenatal tests are often encouraged to abort the child. Both instances can be viewed as equally inhumane, in that the personhood of the child is not considered.

As medical technology has advanced, and society has advanced toward a more considerate appreciate and acceptance of differences and disabilities, the prospect of aborting a child with Down syndrome seems backward thinking and inhumane.

If you are pregnant and your doctor has suggested prenatal testing, go for it. Even if you are staunchly pro-life, the knowledge that you gain is valuable. Imagine, not having the tests, and suddenly being confronted with such a frightening diagnosis for you new baby. Chances are you would be shocked and confused.

But, if you are prepared ahead of time, you can research al the aspects of Downs syndrome so that you can greet your new baby without prejudice, without worry, or the feat that can be devastating without preparation.
Any child should be welcomed into the world with acceptance and joy. A new baby deserves unconditional love and should not be introduced to the world by anxious, fearful parents.

Are There Cures For Down Syndrome? By Kate Allen

For every disease, we expect to find a corresponding cure and treatment. However, even with the advantage of advanced technology, cure is still not available for many diseases. The cures for Down syndrome are an example of that. Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21 is a disorder of the chromosome which is caused by the existence of an extra 21st chromosome. This syndrome is named after John Langdon Down who first described this condition back in 1866. In this syndrome, there are abnormalities in the physical and mental structures of a person. A Down syndrome baby or child will look different than a normal kid. Most people who have Down syndrome share the same physical traits:

-They usually have upward slanting eyes.
-The shape of their face is usually rounded.
-Their noses are small and flat
-They have shorter limbs.
-The gap between their big and second toe are usually big.
-They have small mouth with protruding tongue.

The mental developments of these people are also slow, making them susceptible to learning disabilities. They are also at risk of more serious diseases such as congenital heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic ear infections, sleep apnea and thyroid dysfunctions (which can cause obesity for people with Down syndrome). The reason why there is an abnormality of Chromosome # 21 is still unknown. This is why parents are advised to go for genetic counseling first before deciding to have a baby so that they can reduce the risk of having a Down syndrome baby. Cures for Down syndrome are not found yet.

The only thing we can do to help these people is to reduce the possibility of further complications in their body and to give them the love and support that they deserve. We can help their mental, emotional and social development. In the mental aspect, herbal remedies might help. Studies were conducted and there were positive results in the cognitive performance of children with Down syndrome when they use herbs such as Bacopa Monnieri, Mandukparni, Shankhpushpi, Vacha, Jyotishmati and other Indian herbs. The herbs Tulsi, and Asparagus racemosus can also help in warding off infectious diseases.

A person who has Down syndrome is more prone to viral illnesses. Amalaki is also used to reduce the risk of congenital heart disease. Tapyadi-Loh and Kaishor-Guggulu, on the other hand, can help correct their hearing and vision problems. You can also reduce the erratic behavioral changes of a person with Down syndrome by using a product called MindSoothe. MindSoothe is another herbal remedy that can help balance the mood of a person and can promote happy and peaceful feelings. To help the behavioral symptoms of a person with Down syndrome, this is the right product for them.

It contains the essential herbs St. John's Wort and Passion Flower, which are both beneficial in balancing behavior and soothing nerves and promoting equilibrium in the over all mental condition of a person with Down syndrome. These herbs, although not the cures for Down syndrome, can help in preventing further complications from developing. No matter how minute the help is, the important thing is we are able to help them. In this way, you can reach out to them and let them know that they deserve to live a normal and happy life.

The Mysterious Symptoms of Down Syndrome By Jodi Roberts

The symptoms of Down Syndrome can vary with each different case. There is no way to determine exactly what symptoms your child will have until they actually show up. This syndrome is the number one cause of mental retardation and malformations among infants today. There are actually over 50 symptoms that can determine if your child has this syndrome. The number of the symptoms and the severity of them will differ with each individual child. Though not every child with this condition will have the same symptoms, there are some very common symptoms that you may see on a regular basis.

These symptoms include, but are not limited to: facial features that may seem flattened smaller heads than normal, a tongue that protrudes, ears that are shaped irregularly and eyes that abnormally slant upwards. These are some of the more common symptoms of down syndrome. However, there are others that you may see a lot in children who have this medical condition. They are excessive flexibility, poor muscle tone, relatively short fingers as well as short, broad hands with a single crease in the palm of the hand. These symptoms of Down syndrome may not show as an infant, but will become more apparent as the child grows.

One of the things that you can look for is a slower development than other children around them. For many people, "what are the causes of Down syndrome?" is a question that is often asked. The causes for this syndrome are due to a child being born with an extra chromosome. The average person is born with 46 chromosomes. A person receives 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 chromosomes from the father. However, every once in a while, a person is born with 47 chromosomes. There are actually 3 different types of cell division that causes down syndrome. These 3 types of division are; Trisomy 21, Translocation Down Syndrome and Mosaic Down Syndrome. Trisomy 21 is the most common type of cell division that can cause Down syndrome. Over 90% of the cases for Down syndrome have this type.

A child with this type of cell division has 3 copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual 2 copies. Trisomy 21 occurs during the sperm cell development or the egg cell development. Translocation Down Syndrome this type of cell division is an uncommon cause for Down syndrome. This cell division occurs either before or at conception and is caused by part of the chromosome 21 attaching to another chromosome. What this means is that the child will have the normal two copies of chromosomes, but they will have excess material from the chromosome 21 attached to the translocated chromosome.This often results in the symptoms of this medical mystery.

Mosaic Down Syndrome is a very rare. With this type of cell division, the child has some cells with extra chromosome 21. This type of abnormal cell division usually occurs after the fertilization stage. Other than these 3 types of cell division, there are no behavior factors or environmental factors that cause Down syndrome. Depending on the down syndrome facts known by your doctor will determine the right course for treatment. These treatments will vary depending on facts such as the symptoms, the age of the child and the severity of the condition. Knowing the facts and keeping your doctor informed will be the very best thing that you can do for your child with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome- Tracing it to the Extra DNA By Nilutpal Gogoi

The Down syndrome is also known as trisomy 21 or Down's syndrome. A patient affected by Down syndrome suffers from acute abnormalities in body functioning which arises from the person's abnormal body structure. The root cause of Down syndrome is the 21st chromosome (DNA). This dysfunction can occur due to the presence of just a portion of the chromosome or the entire genetic material.

The Down syndrome symptoms were first documented in detail by the English physician, John Langdon Down, way back in 1866. Hence, it is in his name that the ailment is named. The chromosomal abnormalities insofar as its shape or number is concerned were clearly identified in the 1950s following the discovery of the special karyotype methods. It was in 1959 that the cause of Down syndrome was traced to the presence of the extra DNA. But it was only in the 21st century that the chromosome was labeled and the condition termed as trisomy 21. Thus we see that the medical detectives and researchers were unable to pin down the exact cause of Down syndrome till the 20th century.

The Down syndrome was found to affect people in all the races. What is more, the Down syndrome was found to attack the women in their advanced years. Another significant aspect of Down syndrome that attracted the attention of the researchers was the rarity of its recurrence.
Till the middle part of the last century, the common medical perception on Down syndrome was that it takes place due to several aspects that were basically inherited. Even then the intensive searches for these factors were eluding results. The fact that the Down syndrome was particularly noticed among the mothers after they reach an advanced stage led a school of medical thought to trace the cause of the dysfunction to some shock(s) undergone by the expecting mother.

The commonly reported symptoms of Down syndrome are a facial layout that remains as it was during that person's birth, and total impairment in the development of that person's physical appearance.

Besides, the Down syndrome affected child fails to have the learning capability, and have retardation besides below par cognitive aptitude. His/her social and emotional abilities are largely dependent on the mental retardation of the child affected by Down syndrome. The child's mild IQ ranges from 50 to 70 while the moderate IQ ranges from 35 to 50. Those affected by Mosaic Down syndrome have IQ range that may go up by 10-30 points higher.

The Down syndrome kids can also develop serious health problems like thyroid dysfunctions, sleep apnea (obstructive), recurring ear infections, gastroesophageal (reflux) disease, and heart defects that are congenital in nature.

Mentionably, there are instances of people possessing the usual sets of DNA also suffering from the Down syndrome symptoms. The signs are enlarged tongue, speech impairment, shorter limbs, almond (shaped) eyes, and a single crease across one or both palms (simian crease). Depending on the child's disability in the cognitive sphere.

It is of necessity that kids affected with Down syndrome are provided immediate medical attention. Despite the fact that many Down syndrome dysfunctions stays on for life, yet the patient can be taught to adjust with the prevailing physical conditions. For this, the parents or guardians of any child must always be attentive about any such abnormalities in their children. If any such signs are noticed, the physician must be immediately consulted, and the required medical screenings carried out. The initial tests pertain to the thyroid among others. The growing child can be provided vocational training The foremost thing to remember that Down syndrome patients require a homely environment to recuperate whatever he/she can.

Myth About Down Syndrome That Everyone Should Know

Down Syndrome is a genetic chromosomal syndrome affecting physical features and causing mental retardation. Down Syndrome is caused by having an extra third copy of chromosome 21. Down Syndrome can be diagnosed prenatally in the womb during pregnancy using several different tests including ultrasound, amniocentesis and CVS.

Diagnosis after birth can usually be done from examining the baby’s physical and facial features such as:

Flattened face

Snub nose

Flattened nasal bridge

Upward slanting eyes

Short neck

Enlarged and protruding tongue

Abnormally shaped ears

Short stubby hands

Short stubby feet

Infant not crying much

Below are some of the major myths about Down Syndrome. Each myth is debunked with the truth concerning one specific aspect of Down Syndrome.

Myth: Down Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
Truth: One in every 800 to 1,000 birth is a child with Down Syndrome condition. This figures represents approximately 5,000 births per year.

Myth: Most children with Down Syndrome are born to older parents.
Truth: 80% of children with Down Syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age. However, as the age of the parents increases, so does the incidence of births of children with Down Syndrome condition.

Myth: Children with Down Syndrome are severely retarded.
Truth: Children with Down Syndrome have an I.Q that falls between the mild to moderately retarded range. Children with Down Syndrome can be educated. However, educators and researchers have not been able to verify and document the full educational potential of Down Syndrome children.

Myth: Most people with Down Syndrome are institutionalized.
Truth: In recent years, Down Syndrome children are seen in the public together with the families, going about their educational, social and recreational activities. Some adults with Down Syndrome have also seen to work in café and fast food chains.

Myth: Adult with Syndrome are unemployable.
Truth: As society’s acceptance and understanding towards adults with Down Syndrome children increases, businesses around the world are employing young adults with Down Syndrome for a variety of positions.

Myth: Adults with Down Syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationship leading to marriage.
Truth: Many adults with Down Syndrome are able to socialize and form ongoing relationship such as courtship and marriage. Althought women with Down Syndrome can have children, but the chances of getting a Down Syndrome child is 50%.

Myth: People with Down Syndrome condition can never be cured.
Truth: As the medical research advances, it was identified that the gene on chromosome 21 is responsible for Down Syndrome. Scientists believe that there is a possibility in the future to improve, correct and prevent the varies problems related to Down Syndrome.

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