Understanding Down Syndrome - Children With An Extra Copy Of Chromosome 21

It is believed that around 5 000 of the babies born in the USA each year, have Down syndrome. The syndrome is named after Dr John Langdon Down who identified the syndrome in 1866. It is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in all the cells of the body.

The reason why it happens is unknown and it can occur in any family. There is no proof that is affects a specific race or sex more than the others. Mothers over 40 have a greater chance of having a Down syndrome baby than younger mothers. Having one baby with Down syndrome doesn’t mean it will affect all babies born after that, but the risk becomes higher.

Down syndrome children have specific physical features such as a round face and small chin. Many also have vision problems and tend to wear glasses. Growth is normally slowed down and they seldom grow very tall. Almond shaped eyes and an oversized tongue are other typical features. Because of the oversized tongues, speech can sometimes be difficult.

Their cognitive abilities are usually lower than those of other children and a small number are severely mentally disabled. Down syndrome children are more prone to heart diseases, ear infections and thyroid problems than other children. Treating this at a young age is necessary to prevent further illnesses later in their lives.

Caring for a child with Down syndrome has its own challenges but parents of these children often report the special bond that they have with their children and wouldn’t want it any other way. These children are loving and caring by nature. Unless there are other mental problems, they usually enjoy the company of people and should be exposed to that.

Down syndrome children will benefit from early childhood therapy such as speech and physical therapy. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome, for many years, was around twenty to twenty five years. That has changed now and Down syndrome babies can, on average, have a life expectancy of fifty to sixty years.

These children can normally attend mainstream schools where extra assistance is available. They learn slower than other children, but many are educated enough to be able to have a regular job and a few even attend college.

Down syndrome children might have different and more challenges than many other children but with the appropriate care and love, can have full and happy lives.

By: Jared W