DOWN’S SYNDROME
Down’s Syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting from an extra chromosome, specifically an additional copy of chromosome 21, referred to as “Trisomy 21.” This additional chromosome affects both the physical and mental development of the individual. While people with Down’s syndrome may share some similarities, each person has unique abilities, with typically mild-to-moderate low-range IQ and delayed speech development compared to their peers.
SYMPTOMS
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Flattened face
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Small head
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Short neck
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Protruding tongue
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Upward slanting eye lids (palpebral fissures)
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Unusually shaped or small ears.
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Poor muscle tone.
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Broad, short hands with a single crease in the palm
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Shorter in height as children and adults
OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS
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Hearing loss
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Obstructive sleep apnea, which is a condition where the person’s breathing temporarily stops while asleep
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Ear infections
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Eye diseases
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Heart defects present at birth
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR CHILD HAS DOWN’S SYNDROME?
Diagnosing Down’s syndrome Parents who think their child may have Down’s syndrome may notice the slanting eyes, flat-appearing face, or low muscle tone. Babies with Down’s syndrome may seem floppy in activity, and they may take longer to hit developmental milestones. These can include sitting up, crawling, or walking.
TYPES OF DOWN’S SYNDROME
There are three types of Down’s syndrome.
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Trisomy 21: About 95% of people with Down’s syndrome have Trisomy 21. With this type of Down’s syndrome, each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual 2 copies.
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Translocation Down’s syndrome: This type accounts for a small percentage of people with Down’s syndrome (about 3%). This occurs when an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present, but it is attached or “trans-located” to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21
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Mosaic Down’s Syndrome: This type affects about 2% of the people with Down’s syndrome. Mosaic means mixture or combination. For children with mosaic Down’s syndrome, some of their cells have 3 copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have the typical two copies of chromosome 21. Children with mosaic Down’s syndrome may have the same features as other children with Down’s syndrome. However, they may have fewer features of the condition due to the presence of some (or many) cells with a typical number of chromosomes.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
One factor that increases the risk for having a baby with Down’s syndrome is the mother’s age. Women who are 35 years or older when they become pregnant are more likely to have a pregnancy affected by Down’s syndrome than women who become pregnant at a younger age.
DIAGNOSIS
Two types of tests are available:
1. Screening Tests: These indicate a lower or higher likelihood of Down’s syndrome in the pregnancy. They do not offer a definitive diagnosis but are safer for both the mother and the baby.
2. Diagnostic Tests: These tests can confirm whether the baby has Down’s syndrome, but they carry a higher risk for both the mother and the baby.
Neither screening nor diagnostic tests can predict the full impact of Down’s syndrome on a child. Healthcare providers continue to monitor children with Down’s syndrome for associated conditions.
TREATMENT AND SUCCESS
Down’s syndrome is a lifelong condition, but early intervention services, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy, help children with the condition reach their full potential. Many are integrated into regular classes in school.
Lizaba, a 24-year-old teacher, dancer, and swimming champion with Down’s syndrome, has won multiple national and international medals. Her accomplishments include gold medals in the National Paralympics and representing India in the Asia-Pacific Regional Games. She emphasizes that genetic conditions like Down’s syndrome should not hinder one’s potential, showcasing her achievements as a source of inspiration.
JAMIE BREWER
The actress was also the first woman with Down’s syndrome to model at New York fashion week. She’s also lobbied Texan lawmakers to abolish the word “retarded” from state law.
ISABELLE SPRINGMÜHL
The Guatemalan fashion designer is the first designer with Down’s syndrome to appear at the London Fashion Week. Voted one of the BBC 100 Women in 2016, she designs some of her creations for others who have Down’s syndrome.
CHRIS BURKE
The actor and folk singer has been the goodwill ambassador for the national Down’s syndrome society since 1994. His role has taken him around the world, making inspirational speeches and public appearances.
ANGELA BACHILLER
When Bachiller was sworn in as a city counsellor She is busy trying to ensure that disabled people get the same rights as other citizens.
KAREN GAFFNEY
The public speaker, with a doctorate and her own foundation, has spent her entire life pushing herself and showing everyone that “ all lives matter” She has also swum the English Channel, proving she is capable of anything she sets her mind to.
TIM HARRIS
The Special Olympian and motivational speaker also runs a own restaurant
JAMIE BREWER
The actress was also the first woman with Down’s syndrome to model at New York fashion week. She’s also lobbied Texan lawmakers to abolish the word “retarded” from state law.
ISABELLE SPRINGMÜHL
The Guatemalan fashion designer is the first designer with Down’s syndrome to appear at the London Fashion Week. Voted one of the BBC 100 Women in 2016, she designs some of her creations for others who have Down’s syndrome.
CHRIS BURKE
The actor and folk singer has been the goodwill ambassador for the national Down’s syndrome society since 1994. His role has taken him around the world, making inspirational speeches and public appearances.
ANGELA BACHILLER
When Bachiller was sworn in as a city counsellor She is busy trying to ensure that disabled people get the same rights as other citizens.
KAREN GAFFNEY
The public speaker, with a doctorate and her own foundation, has spent her entire life pushing herself and showing everyone that “ all lives matter” She has also swum the English Channel, proving she is capable of anything she sets her mind to.
TIM HARRIS
The Special Olympian and motivational speaker also runs a own restaurant
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DACAL is a school which caters to children with developmental delays, learning difficulties and special needs.
CONTACT US
DACAL - Darul Ansar Centre for Applied Learning
Anjuman-e-Himayath-e-Islam
#16, B.N. Reddy Road, Chennai 600 017.
Phone: 044 4901 4553, 98842 70480
Mon-Fri: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm