| Down syndrome is the most common survivable genetic difference
affecting one in every 733 live births according to the U.S. Center
for Disease Control and Prevention. “Trisomy 21” the
most common type of DS is caused by an extra (third) copy of the
21st chromosome. The genes on the extra chromosome interact with
other genes causing varying degrees of learning difficulties as
well as physical disabilities. The learning difficulties or degree
of intellectual disability can be mild to severe, but most commonly
falls somewhere in the moderate area What are the physical characteristics of Down syndrome? Individuals with DS have physical characteristics similar to a
family or ethnic resemblance. Individuals with DS are also just
that, individuals. The effects of the extra chromosome do not affect
each person the exactly same. Some of the most common physical
characteristics include: Facial features: A person with DS’s face may be slightly
broader with a flatter nasal bridge. Their eyes may appear to slant
upward and have a small fold of skin on the inner corners called
epicanthal folds. Their mouth may be small which might cause their
tongue to appear large and poor muscle tone may cause the tongue
to protrude. Their ears may be small, lower set on the head and
tops may fold over. Body: Babies with DS usually start out at average weight and length.
As they grow individuals with DS often fall behind their typical
peers. Adult males have an average height of 5 feet 2 inches and
women reach about 41/2 feet. People with DS often have smaller
hands and feet. The palm of their hands might have a single crease
across it called a simian crease or a transverse palmar and the
fifth finger may curve inward slightly. What kind of life skills does a person with Down syndrome
have? Babies with Down syndrome usually participate in “early
intervention” a program developed for an individual child
that may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech
therapy and more. Babies and toddlers with DS also benefit from
community programs like Mommy and Me, play groups, swimming and
music programs. Children with DS are educated in many different ways. Some are
included in the typical classroom with typical peers, sometimes
with the help of a personal aid. Some may participate in a special
education classroom on a typical school campus to enable them to
have social and some class interaction with typical peers. Others
are educated at a special education school with other peers with
disabilities. Children with DS also participate in many extra-curricular
programs; typical athletic programs that they are included in like
karate and swimming and also in programs developed just for individuals
with disabilities like Special Olympics and Challenger Little League.
Some children with DS enjoy music and drama classes, visual arts
instruction and computers. Many adults with DS live independently or in supported living
programs. Others choose to live with their parents for some time.
Many individuals with DS have jobs, some work independently while
others have job coaches to assist them. Some adults with DS prefer
to attend day programs that can focus on activities such as academics,
the arts, recreation and life skills Some adults with DS rely on
parents and friends for transportation, some use public transit
independently and a few are able to pass their state driving test
and get a license. There are also opportunities for continued education
for adults with DS in the form of post secondary schools particularly
focused on life skills and vocational training as well as taking
classes offered at local community colleges. Most adults with DS
have speech and can take care of their personal daily needs. People with DS often find a lot of satisfaction in the activities
that they participate in and experience. Most individuals with
DS grow, lean and function well within the typical community. One
area of strength for individuals with DS is their social skills
which often exceed their academic achievements and help them to
achieve a happy and productive life. How do you write Down syndrome? In the United States it is written: Down syndrome. There is no
possession to the Down. The characteristics of the syndrome were
first identified by Dr. Landon Down. The syndrome does not belong
to Dr. Down, so no “’s” follows his name. We
do however capitalize Down since it refers to a name. The syndrome
is written with a lower case “s.” In the United Kingdome
and some other countries it is referred to as Down’s syndrome. Wikipedid Free Encyclepedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down's_syndrome
|
