Definition of Down Syndrome

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DEFINITION

Down syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable chromosomal condition associated with mental retardation. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality: for some unexplained reason, an accident in cell development results in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. This extra chromosome changes the orderly development of the body and brain. In most cases, the diagnosis of Down syndrome is made according to results from a chromosome test administered shortly after birth.

INCIDENCE

Approximately 4,000 children with Down syndrome are born in the U.S. each year, or about 1 in every 800 to 1,000 live births. Although parents of any age may have child with Down syndrome, the incidence is higher for women over 35. Most common forms of the syndrome do not usually occur more than once in a family.

CHARACTERISTICS

There are over 50 clinical signs of Down syndrome, but it is rare to find all or even most of them in one person. Some common characteristics include:
· Poor muscle tone;
· Slanting eyes with folds of skin at the inner corners (called epicanthal folds);
· Hyperflexibility (excessive ability to extend the joints);
· Short, broad hands with a single crease across the palm on one or both hands;
· Broad feet with short toes;
· Flat bridge of the nose;
· Short, low-set ears;
· Short neck;
· Small head;
· Small oral cavity; and/or
· Short, high-pitched cries in infancy.
Individuals with Down syndrome are usually smaller than their non-disabled peers, and their physical as well as intellectual development is slower.

Besides having a distinct physical appearance, children with Down syndrome frequently have specific health-related problems. A lowered resistance to infection makes these children more prone to respiratory problems. Visual problems such as crossed eyes and far- or nearsightedness are higher in those with Down syndrome, as are mild to moderate hearing loss and speech difficul...