Understanding Down Syndrome

 JUST LIKE YOU -- DOWN SYNDROME by Isaac Alonggi - "Explores the life, hopes, challenges and dreams of three kids living with Down syndrome." 

 A diagnostic test called "karyotype" which can be administered during pregnancy or after birth of child confirms Down syndrome.  Some of the common physical characteristics of people with Down Syndrome may include (but may vary from person to person):    upward sloping (almond) eyes, flat nose, light spots in the eyes, crease on palm, low set ears, large tongue, separation of first and second toe, small limbs and small body frame.    They have low muscle tone and tongue thrust (HealthLinkBC, 2011).  Growth are slower than typically developing children, and may have delays in some areas of development.

"Down syndrome commonly results in an effect on learning style, although the differences are highly variable and individualistic, just as in the physical characteristics or health concerns. The most significant challenge is to find the most effective, productive methods of teaching each individual. The identification of the best methods of teaching each particular child ideally begins soon after birth, through early intervention programs. " -- CDSS, 2003

Definition of Down syndrome

It is a chromosomal defect that affects 1 in every 700-800 live births in Canada that occurs regardless of race, gender or socio-economic backgrounds (CDSS, 2003; Ministry of Education, 2014).  It is caused by an extra genetic material in the 21st chromosome.  Around 80% or three quarters of children with DS are born from mothers under 35 years old, although the likelihood of having  a child with DS increases as the mother age (Ministry of Education, 2014; CDSS, 2003). Dr. John Langdon Down first described the syndrome in the 1800s.

Causes of disorder

Three types of chromosomal patterns, trisonomy 21, translocation and mosaicism, results to having a child with DS.  Trisonomy 21 occurs in 95% of people born with DS where an extra chromosome is present in each cell.  Translocation may occur spontaneously but may also be inherited.  Translocation occurs when the 14th chromosome breaks off and attaches itself to another chromosome.  Mosaicism occurs in approximately 2% of people with DS where some cells have 46 chromosomes, while others have 47.  (CDSS, 2003)