The Facts About Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder which usually causes delay in physical, intellectual and language development.

It is important to note that children with Down syndrome are more like other children than they are different.

Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division. It is not known why the error occurs. However, it is known that the error occurs at conception and is not related to anything the mother did during pregnancy.

Down syndrome occurs in approximately one out of every 800 births. It is not related to race, nationality, religion or social-economic status.

The majority of children born with Down syndrome have mild to moderate mental impairments.

Approximately one-third of individuals with Down syndrome have heart defects, and some (8% - 10%) have gastrointestinal tract abnormalities present at birth. Most of these defects are now correctable by surgery.

Some infants with Down syndrome have only a few of these traits, while others have many. Among the most common traits are:

Muscle hypotonia, low muscle tone
Flat facial profile, a somewhat depressed nasal bridge and a small nose
Oblique palpebral fissures, an upward slant to the eyes
Dysplastic ear, an abnormal shape of the ear
A single deep crease across the center of the palm
Hyperflexibility, an excessive ability to extend the joints
Dysplastic middle phalanx of the fifth finger, fifth finger has one flexion furrow instead of two
Epicanthal folds, small skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes
Excessive space between large and second toe
Enlargement of tongue in relationship to size of mouth

There is a strong support network available to parents of children with Down syndrome. Many resources are available to parents whose baby has a pre-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Local support groups can put parents in touch with other parents whose child was diagnosed pre-natally. There are many books and publications available for parents to read and learn more about Down syndrome. Some children may have additional health issues, but others will not.Parents should be reassured to know that every child with Down syndrome is a unique individual, and will be more alike other family members than different.

If parents feel that for some reason they are not able to parent a child with Down syndrome, there are adoption agencies that specialize in placing babies with Down syndrome into loving families to care for them. Please call 513.761.5400 or visit www.dsagc.com/adoption.asp for information about the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati adoption program.

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) has a special branch on their web site for expectant parents. Visit www.ndsccenter.org and click on expectant parents.

Individuals with Down syndrome benefit from loving homes, early intervention, inclusive education, appropriate medical care and positive public attitudes.

In adulthood, many people with Down syndrome hold jobs, live independently and enjoy recreational opportunities in their communities. Each person has his/her own unique personality, capabilities and talents.