About Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder - meaning a child inherits Down syndrome from his or her parents. In every human cell, there is a nucleus where genetic material is stored. Genes carry "codes" that are responsible for our traits and characterists. Genes are organized along rod structures called chromosomes. The nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of each pair is inherited from the mother and the other half from the father. Down syndrome occurs when an individual receives a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
Individuals with Down syndrome may experience delays in their speech and development. A few common physical traits include small stature, upward slant toward the eyes, and a deep crease across the palm of the hand.
There are 3 different types of Down syndrome depending on the symtoms and types of genes passed from the mom or dad:
1) Trisomy 21
2) Mosaicism
3) Tanslocation
How common is Down syndrome?
In the United States, 1 in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome. Though not as common as Autism, Down Syndrome is a frequently-diagnosed genetic condition.
Who and how was Down syndrome discovered?
In 1866, John Langdon Down published the first description of a person with Down syndrome. Although other people prior to Down had recognized the characteristics of the syndrome, John Langon Down was the first to describe the condition as a distinct entity.
Are there different types of Down syndrome?
There are three types of Down syndrome: 1.) Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction), 2.) Translocation, and 3.) Mosaicism
Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) is the most common form of Down syndrome, accounting for 95% of cases. Trisomy 21 is usually caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction, which results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two - thus the appropriate name: Trisomy 21.
Translocation occurs when part of chromosome 21 separates and attaches to another chromosome, typically chromosome 14. Even though the total number of chromosomes in the cells remains 46, the presence of an extra part of chromosome 21 results in the characteristics of Down syndrome. Translocation makes up 4% of all Down syndrome cases.
Mosaicism occurs when nondisjunction of chromosome 21 takes place in one - not all - of the initial cell divisions. When this occurs, there is a mixture of two types of cells, some containing the usual 46 chromosomes and others containing 47. Mosaicism comprises 1% of cases of Down syndrome.
What is the Likelihood of Having a Child with Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, though older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down syndrome. See image below (copied from Google Images, citations below).
Does Down syndrome run in the family?
All 3 types of Down syndrome are genetic conditions (relating to the genes and mutations), but only 1% of all cases of Down syndrome have a hereditary component, meaning only 1% of cases of Down syndrome are passed from parent to children through the genes. Typically, Down syndrome is a result of errors in cell division.
Do people of all ethnic groups and of all economic levels have Down syndrome?
A child with Down syndrome can be born to anyone, regardless of age, race, socio-economic status, or where they live.
Are people with Down syndrome different from the rest of us?
Outside of the diagnosis, people with Down syndrome are just like everyone else - and should be treated that way, too! They have unique talents, characteristics, abilities and disabilities, just like the rest of us. They are brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, friends, and neighbors. They work in banks, schools, offices, and restaurants.
What is the life expectancy?
With better health care and medical resources, many individuals with Down syndrome now live into their 60′s. As medical care continues to advance, the life span of many individuals will be even longer.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
No, there is currently no cure. However, early intervention, health care, educational opportunities, appropriate nutrition, and many other interventions make a significant difference in the individual’s life and development.
Will my brother or sister with Down syndrome walk, talk, etc.?
Unless there is another condition that is present, almost all individuals with Down syndrome learn to walk and talk.
Where can I find help for my brother or sister with Down syndrome?
There are many Down Syndrome associations in countries around the world. A quick Google search will set you on the right path for finding help for your sibling. Here are some examples of associations that assist individuals with Down syndrome.
Examples of associations that assist Down syndrome families:
Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Website: http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/resources/international-down-syndrome-organizations-clinics/
Note: The Global Down Syndrome website lists societies that are established in each country
National Down Syndrome Society - United States, website: http://www.ndss.org/
National Association for Down Syndrome - United States, website: http://www.nads.org/
Downs Syndrome Association - United Kingdom, website: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) - Canada, website: http://www.cdss.ca/
Down Syndrome Society of South Australia, website: http://www.downssa.asn.au
Down Syndrome South Africa, website: http://www.downsyndrome.org.za/main.aspx?artid=36
Citation: http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/.
http://www.dsaatl.org/frequently_asked_questions
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder - meaning a child inherits Down syndrome from his or her parents. In every human cell, there is a nucleus where genetic material is stored. Genes carry "codes" that are responsible for our traits and characterists. Genes are organized along rod structures called chromosomes. The nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of each pair is inherited from the mother and the other half from the father. Down syndrome occurs when an individual receives a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
Individuals with Down syndrome may experience delays in their speech and development. A few common physical traits include small stature, upward slant toward the eyes, and a deep crease across the palm of the hand.
There are 3 different types of Down syndrome depending on the symtoms and types of genes passed from the mom or dad:
1) Trisomy 21
2) Mosaicism
3) Tanslocation
How common is Down syndrome?
In the United States, 1 in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome. Though not as common as Autism, Down Syndrome is a frequently-diagnosed genetic condition.
Who and how was Down syndrome discovered?
In 1866, John Langdon Down published the first description of a person with Down syndrome. Although other people prior to Down had recognized the characteristics of the syndrome, John Langon Down was the first to describe the condition as a distinct entity.
Are there different types of Down syndrome?
There are three types of Down syndrome: 1.) Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction), 2.) Translocation, and 3.) Mosaicism
Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) is the most common form of Down syndrome, accounting for 95% of cases. Trisomy 21 is usually caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction, which results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two - thus the appropriate name: Trisomy 21.
Translocation occurs when part of chromosome 21 separates and attaches to another chromosome, typically chromosome 14. Even though the total number of chromosomes in the cells remains 46, the presence of an extra part of chromosome 21 results in the characteristics of Down syndrome. Translocation makes up 4% of all Down syndrome cases.
Mosaicism occurs when nondisjunction of chromosome 21 takes place in one - not all - of the initial cell divisions. When this occurs, there is a mixture of two types of cells, some containing the usual 46 chromosomes and others containing 47. Mosaicism comprises 1% of cases of Down syndrome.
What is the Likelihood of Having a Child with Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels, though older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down syndrome. See image below (copied from Google Images, citations below).
Does Down syndrome run in the family?
All 3 types of Down syndrome are genetic conditions (relating to the genes and mutations), but only 1% of all cases of Down syndrome have a hereditary component, meaning only 1% of cases of Down syndrome are passed from parent to children through the genes. Typically, Down syndrome is a result of errors in cell division.
Do people of all ethnic groups and of all economic levels have Down syndrome?
A child with Down syndrome can be born to anyone, regardless of age, race, socio-economic status, or where they live.
Are people with Down syndrome different from the rest of us?
Outside of the diagnosis, people with Down syndrome are just like everyone else - and should be treated that way, too! They have unique talents, characteristics, abilities and disabilities, just like the rest of us. They are brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, friends, and neighbors. They work in banks, schools, offices, and restaurants.
What is the life expectancy?
With better health care and medical resources, many individuals with Down syndrome now live into their 60′s. As medical care continues to advance, the life span of many individuals will be even longer.
Is there a cure for Down syndrome?
No, there is currently no cure. However, early intervention, health care, educational opportunities, appropriate nutrition, and many other interventions make a significant difference in the individual’s life and development.
Will my brother or sister with Down syndrome walk, talk, etc.?
Unless there is another condition that is present, almost all individuals with Down syndrome learn to walk and talk.
Where can I find help for my brother or sister with Down syndrome?
There are many Down Syndrome associations in countries around the world. A quick Google search will set you on the right path for finding help for your sibling. Here are some examples of associations that assist individuals with Down syndrome.
Examples of associations that assist Down syndrome families:
Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
Website: http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/resources/international-down-syndrome-organizations-clinics/
Note: The Global Down Syndrome website lists societies that are established in each country
National Down Syndrome Society - United States, website: http://www.ndss.org/
National Association for Down Syndrome - United States, website: http://www.nads.org/
Downs Syndrome Association - United Kingdom, website: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) - Canada, website: http://www.cdss.ca/
Down Syndrome Society of South Australia, website: http://www.downssa.asn.au
Down Syndrome South Africa, website: http://www.downsyndrome.org.za/main.aspx?artid=36
Citation: http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/.
http://www.dsaatl.org/frequently_asked_questions
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
