What people should know about Down syndrome?

Even with a healthy diet, people with Down syndrome are more likely to be overweight than the general population. They also have a higher risk of sight and hearing problems, hypothyroidism, problems with their bones and gut defects. Less than half of babies born with Down syndrome have a congenital heart defect.

What are 5 facts about Down syndrome?

Facts About Down Syndrome

• Down syndrome occurs in approximately one in 700 births.
• There are three types of Down syndrome.
• Down syndrome has been depicted in historical paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
• Prenatal screening for Down syndrome is available.
• Other health problems can occur with Down syndrome.

What should I know about my child with Down syndrome?

Toddlers and older kids may have delays in speech and self-care skills like feeding, dressing, and using the toilet. Down syndrome affects kids’ ability to learn in different ways, but most have mild to moderate intellectual disability. Kids can and do learn, and can develop skills throughout their lives.

What are the struggles of Down syndrome?

Children with Down syndrome have delays in speech and motor skills, and may need help with self-care, such as dressing and grooming. Medical problems associated with Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child. While some kids and teens need a lot of medical attention, others lead healthy lives.

What are the 3 types of Down syndrome?

There are three types of Down syndrome:

• Trisomy 21. This is by far the most common type, where every cell in the body has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.
• Translocation Down syndrome. In this type, each cell has part of an extra chromosome 21, or an entirely extra one.
• Mosaic Down syndrome.

How do you prepare a child with Down syndrome?

Give your child chores around the house. Just break them up into small steps and be patient. Have your child play with other kids who do and don’t have Down syndrome. Keep your expectations high as your child tries and learns new things.

What is considered high risk for Down syndrome?

Patients are more likely to have a baby with Down syndrome or another chromosome abnormality when they are age 35 or older, or if they have already had a child with such an abnormality. These patients are considered “high-risk” and have additional testing options.

Do babies with Down syndrome cry a lot?

Children with Down syndrome are children, above all else. As babies they cry and sleep, and as they grow they walk and talk. If you’re caring for a child with Down syndrome, you might face some challenges different to other parents.

How serious is Down syndrome?

Potentially serious complications — The most serious complications of Down syndrome include heart defects, blood disorders that can include leukemia (cancer of the blood), and immune system problems. Heart defects — Approximately half of all babies with Down syndrome are born with (often repairable) heart defects.

What organ is most affected by Down syndrome?

Down syndrome, the most common chromosome-related genetic condition in the U.S., affects development of the brain and body. People with Down syndrome face physical and mental challenges, but can lead full and happy lives.

What causes Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome.

What is the age span of Down syndrome?

Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80\% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

Can people with Down syndrome have children?

Please try again later. Women with Down syndrome are able to have children, but many men with the condition unfortunately are not able to, however it is possible. Women who have Down syndrome are able to have children; they have a 35-50\% chance that their baby will have Down syndrome.