An individual with Down syndrome inherits all or part of an extra copy of Chromosome 21. Symptoms associated with the syndrome include mental retardation, distinctive facial characteristics, and
increased risk for heart defects and digestive problems
, which can range from mild to severe.
How does Down syndrome affect a person's body?
Down syndrome may cause
low muscle tone, potential heart complications, and vision issues
. The sole characteristic shared by all persons with Down syndrome is the presence of extra genetic material associated with the 21st chromosome.
How does Down syndrome affect adults physically?
Some common physical features of Down syndrome include:
A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose
.
Almond-shaped eyes that slant up
.
A short neck
.
Can a person with Down syndrome look normal?
People with
Down syndrome all look the same
. There are certain physical characteristics that can occur. People with Down syndrome can have all of them or none. A person with Down syndrome will always look more like his or her close family than someone else with the condition.
Is Down syndrome a disability?
The extra chromosome affects the way the child's brain and body develop, leading to developmental delays, intellectual disability and an increased risk for certain medical issues. Down syndrome is
the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability
, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 children.
Do Down syndrome babies cry a lot?
Children with Down syndrome are children, above all else.
As babies they cry and sleep
, and as they grow they walk and talk. If you're caring for a child with Down syndrome, you might face some challenges different to other parents.
What are the behaviors of Down syndrome?
The most common mental health concerns include: general anxiety, repetitive and obsessive-compulsive behaviors;
oppositional, impulsive, and inattentive behaviors
; sleep related difficulties; depression; autism spectrum conditions; and neuropsychological problems characterized by progressive loss of cognitive skills.
Can two down syndromes have a normal baby?
Yes.
A woman with Down's syndrome can have children
. If her partner does not have Down's syndrome, the theoretical chance of the child having Down's syndrome is 50%. There have been only a few reports of men with Down's syndrome fathering children.
What famous person has Down syndrome?
| Names Details | Jay Beatty Celtic F.C. fan | Jamie Brewer Actress who appeared in American Horror Story: Murder House and American Horror Story: Coven | Chris Burke Actor and folk singer, best known for his role in Life Goes On as character Charles “Corky” Thacher | Collette Divitto Entrepreneur who started Collettey's Cookies |
|---|
What is life expectancy for Down syndrome?
Today, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome is
nearly 60 years
and continuing to climb.
Can Down syndrome be cured?
No. Down syndrome is a lifelong condition and
right now there isn't a cure
. But many health problems associated with the condition are treatable.
How do Down syndrome babies behave?
Children with Down syndrome can often do most things that any young child can do. They
can walk, talk, dress themselves, and be toilet trained
. But they often do these things at a later age than other children. The exact ages of these development milestones is different for each child.
What age do Down syndrome babies smile?
Babies with Down syndrome are normally engaging and affectionate, and their first smile usually occurs
only a week or two later
than other children.
How soon can you tell if your baby has Down syndrome?
Diagnostic tests that can identify Down syndrome include: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). In CVS, cells are taken from the placenta and used to analyze the fetal chromosomes. This test is typically performed in the first trimester,
between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy
.
What is the mental age of a person with Down syndrome?
The average IQ of a young adult with Down syndrome is 50, equivalent to the mental ability of
an eight- or nine-year-old child
, but this can vary widely. The parents of the affected individual are usually genetically normal.
How is Down syndrome prevented?
There's no way to prevent Down syndrome
. If you're at high risk of having a child with Down syndrome or you already have one child with Down syndrome, you may want to consult a genetic counselor before becoming pregnant.
