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DOWN SYNDROME

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows during pregnancy and after birth. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21.

What is

Down Syndrome

  • Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder resulting from an extra copy of the chromosome 21. This imbalance in chromosomal expression causes changes in mental and physical health.
  • This results in common physical traits such as low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes and a single deep crease across the center of the palm.
  • People with Down syndrome have increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus etc.
  • Down syndrome is not a disease, it is a naturally occurring condition and it is not contagious.
  • People with Down syndrome need long term opportunities because they require continuous learning.
  • Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition.
Eka Se Salakamu
Eka Se Salakamu

Support systems

required for people with Down Syndrome to live fulfilling lives;

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Quality Educational Programs

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Specialized healthcare

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Supportive home environment

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Positive family members

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Community acceptance

Common

misconceptions about Down Syndrome

Myth: DS is a rare genetic disorder

Truth: DS is a common genetic disorder.

Myth: People with DS are always happy

Truth: People with DS can experience a full range of emotions

Myth: Children with DS are generally slow in their development, so just leave them alone they will develop; they don’t need to be included in any early intervention programs

Truth: Children with DS need early intervention and their families need support to learn how to look after these children. Children who receive early intervention do much better in later life.

Myth: Children with DS must be in special schools

Truth: Children with DS can be included in regular mainstream classrooms.

Myth: Adults with DS are a burden to their family

Truth: Adults with DS can be employed.

Myth: Adults with DS are childlike

Adults with DS are adults and should be treated as such.

Myth: AIt is ok to use the “r-word” if you don’t really mean it.

Truth: It is never acceptable to use the word “retarded” in any derogatory context.

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