What is Down Syndrome?

About Down Syndrome:

• It is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome or an extra piece of a chromosome. 
  • Chromosomesare tiny "packages" in your cells that contain your genes.
  • Genes carry information, called DNA, that controls what you look like and how your body works.
  • People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21. In some cases, they may have an extra copy of a part of the chromosome.
  • Having an extra copy of a chromosome is called a trisomy. So sometimes Down syndrome is also called trisomy 21.
• This extra copy changes how a baby's body and brain develop.
• It can cause both mental and physical challenges during their lifetime. 
• Even though people with Down syndrome might act and look similar, each person has different abilities.
• Causes: Down syndrome is usually not inherited. It happens by chance, as an error when cells are dividing during the early development of the fetus.
• Symptoms:
  • The symptoms of Down syndrome are different in each person. And people with Down syndrome may have different problems at different times of their lives.
  • They usually have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Their development is often delayed. 
  • Some of the common physical signs of Down syndrome include:
    • A flat face
    • Eyes that slant up
    • A short neck
    • Small hands and feet
    • Poor muscle tone
    • Loose joints
• Treatment: 
  • Down syndrome is a lifelong condition and it cannot be cured. Early therapy programs can help improve skills.
  • Treatments are based on each person's physical and intellectual needs, strengths, and limitations.