Down syndrome is referred to as, DS and Trisomy 21. Down syndrome is caused when a person is born with an extra chromosome. Each Chromosome we carry contains hundreds, or even thousands of genes. A person’s Genes contain the information that delivers your personal traits. With DS, the extra chromosome causes delays in the development of a child, mentally and physically. Every person is born with 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. When a child has DS, they have 47 chromosomes. This extra chromosome causes the physical features and developmental delays of Down syndrome.
Medical problems with DS can vary widely from child to child. Some children require a lot of medical attention, while others lead healthy lives. Down Syndrome can not be prevented, but it can be detected before a child is born.
There is no way to prevent the chromosomal error that causes Down syndrome. Scientist do know that women age 35 and older have a higher risk of having a child with the condition. Down syndrome affects a child’s physical features like, flat facial profile, and upward slant to the eyes, small ears, and a protruding tongue. Children with DS also suffer from low muscle tone, and tend to grow at a slower rate than most people.
Kids with Down Syndrome are really just like everyone else, and with awareness we can understand DS.