Author: crnstudent

Resources And Support Groups

Work Cited Page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Down+syndrome
http://down-syndrome.emedtv.com/down-syndrome/down-syndrome-prognosis.html

National Support Groups
There are many large national support groups for Down syndrome. Some are dedicated to helping families and others to research and advocacy. I recommend checking out all of the sites and deciding for yourself which ones you find most helpful.
Local Support Groups
Local support groups can be a great way to learn about local resources and to network with parents in your community
Books on Down Syndrome
Books can be a wonderful way to share information about Down syndrome. Children's books are especially useful in explaining Down syndrome to children and are a good way of starting discussions about Down syndrome.

Trisomy 21
Down Syndrome

Complete Information About Trisomy 21 Otherwise Known As Down Syndrome

Introduction

Down syndrome or trisomy 21 is a chromosomal condition caused by caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Landon Down, the british physician who described the syndrome in 1866. Down syndrome occurs in all human populations, and analogous effects have been found in other species such as chimpanzees. Often Down syndrome is associated with some impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics. The average IQ of children with Down syndrome is around 50, compared to normal children with an IQ of 100.[

A Young Girl With Down Syndrome.

Symptoms
Down syndrome symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. However, children with Down syndrome have a widely recognized appearance.
The head may be smaller than normal and abnormally shaped. For example, the head may be round with a flat area on the back. The inner corner of the eyes may be rounded instead of pointed.
Common physical signs include:
Decreased muscle tone at birth
Excess skin at the nape of the neck
Flattened nose
Separated joints between the bones of the skull (sutures)
Single crease in the palm of the hand
Small ears
Small mouth
Upward slanting eyes
Wide, short hands with short fingers
White spots on the colored part of the eye
Tests And Diagnosis
A doctor can often make an initial diagnosis of Down Syndrome at birth based on how the baby looks. The doctor may hear a heart murmur when listening to the baby’s chest with a stethoscope.

Prognosis of Down Syndrome
The life expectancy for people with Down Syndrome has increased over the last few decades. In 1929, the average life span of a person with Down syndrome was nine years. Today, it is common for a person with down syndrome to live up to 50 years or beyond. In addition to living longer, adults with down syndrome are now living fuller, richer lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their communities. Many people with down syndrome form meaningful relationshios and eventually marry. Since this is a problem with the 21st chrosomes, there are no cures for down syndrome.