THE BABBLE TAKE
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an extra full or partial chromosome. No one knows for sure why this happens. But it is known that mothers in their 40s are at a higher risk to have children with Down syndrome than younger mothers. There are a few physical characteristics that set people with Down syndrome apart, such as almond-shaped eyes, small features, and curved pinky fingers. People with Down syndrome are also at higher risk for some medical problems. All people with Down syndrome have some mental retardation and developmental delays. However, experts say that it is important to remember that Down is a syndrome, not a personality — people with Down syndrome vary widely in their likes and dislikes, abilities and temperament. Often children with Down syndrome go to ordinary schools and go on to have jobs and full social lives. Though having a baby with Down syndrome can be a big readjustment in terms of what to expect out of your child, parents who have children with Down syndrome say, that while their children have some special needs, they are kids first and firemost, and on the whole they are more alike other children than they are different.
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National Down Syndrome Society
"All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays. The effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Additionally, some people with Down syndrome have low muscle tone and other physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome that will likely affect how soon a child with Down syndrome will be able to sit up, walk, and speak. Although a child with Down syndrome will learn how to do these and many other activities, it may be somewhat later than his or her peers without Down syndrome."
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Kids Health
"You have probably seen people who have Down syndrome. They have certain physical features, such as a flatter face, upward slanting eyes, and a somewhat larger tongue. They may have medical problems, too, such as heart defects. And they usually have some mental retardation, which means they may have trouble learning. But despite their challenges, kids with Down syndrome can go to regular schools, make friends, enjoy life, and get jobs when they're older."
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National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
"Down syndrome can range from mild to severe. Usually, mental development and physical development are slower in people with Down syndrome than in those without the condition. Mental retardation is a disability that causes limits on intellectual abilities and adaptive behaviors (conceptual, social, and practical skills people use to function in everyday lives). Most people with Down syndrome have IQs that fall in the mild to moderate range of mental retardation. They may have delayed language development and slow motor development."
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National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
"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."
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BabyCenter ®
"If you're welcoming a new baby with Down syndrome (DS) into your family, you probably have many questions and concerns. I've written this information keeping in mind my own diverse experiences when one of my two children was born with the disorder. Babies with the disorder are more like typically developing infants than they are different. And as they grow up, you'll find there is great diversity within the population in terms of personality, learning styles, intelligence, appearance, compliance, humor, compassion, congeniality, and attitude."
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