How does down syndrome affect the body

They photograph the chromosomes and then group them by size, number, and shape. By examining the karyotype, doctors can diagnose Down syndrome.

Another genetic test called FISH can apply similar principles and confirm a diagnosis in a shorter amount of time. Individuals with Down syndrome are becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organizations, such as school, health care systems, work forces, and social and recreational activities.

Individuals with Down syndrome possess varying degrees of cognitive delays, from very mild to severe. Most people with Down syndrome have cognitive delays that are mild to moderate. Due to advances in medical technology, individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. In , children with Down syndrome were expected to survive to age nine. With the discovery of antibiotics, the average survival age increased to 19 or More and more Americans are interacting with individuals with Down syndrome, increasing the need for widespread public education and acceptance.

These downloadable versions of the Preferred Language Guide are available to print and distribute:. We run for our daughter, Zaylei. She has shown us the meaning of giving your all in everything you do since she was born and has motivated us to do the same. But, Zaylei is not our only motivator. Donate to NDSS. What is Down Syndrome? How Common is Down Syndrome? When Was Down Syndrome Discovered?

Support NDSS The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. What Causes Down Syndrome? Does Down Syndrome Run in Families? How Is Down Syndrome Diagnosed? AT BIRTH Down syndrome is usually identified at birth by the presence of certain physical traits: low muscle tone, a single deep crease across the palm of the hand, a slightly flattened facial profile and an upward slant to the eyes.

Preferred Language Guide. If you're unsure about which test, if any, is right for you, your doctor or a genetic counselor can help you sort through the pros and cons of each. If the doctor suspects Down syndrome after a baby is born, a karyotype — a blood or tissue sample stained to show chromosomes grouped by size, number, and shape — can verify the diagnosis. If your child has Down syndrome, you may at first have feelings of loss, guilt, and fear.

Talking with other parents of kids with Down syndrome may help you deal with your concerns and find ways to look toward the future. Many parents find that learning as much as they can about the condition helps ease fears. Children with Down syndrome benefit from getting early intervention services as soon as possible.

Physical therapy , occupational therapy , and speech therapy can help, and early childhood educators can work with your child to encourage and boost development.

States provide early intervention services to kids with disabilities from birth to age 3. Check with your doctor, developmental pediatrician, or a social worker to find resources in your area. Under IDEA, local school districts must provide "a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment" and an individualized education program IEP for each child.

Where to send your child to school can be a hard decision. The needs of some kids with Down syndrome are best met in a specialized program. But many kids with Down syndrome go to school and enjoy the same activities as other kids their age. Being in a regular classroom known as inclusion , when appropriate, is good for both the child with Down syndrome and the other kids. A few kids with Down syndrome go on to college.

Many transition to semi-independent living. Others continue to live at home but hold jobs and find their own success in the community. Your school district's child study team can work with you to find what's best for your child. Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD. Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Most of these services focus on helping children with Down syndrome develop to their full potential.

These services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and they are typically offered through early intervention programs in each state. Children with Down syndrome may also need extra help or attention in school, although many children are included in regular classes. The views of these organizations are their own and do not reflect the official position of CDC.

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Treatment may involve the removal of tonsils and adenoids. Down syndrome and ears Children with Down syndrome tend to have narrower Eustachian tubes than the general population. Eustachian tubes are the part of the ear that drain fluid from the middle ear. Narrow Eustachian tubes may mean that the fluid cannot be drained easily, which can lead to blockages that cause ear infections and hearing loss.

Glue ear often clears up spontaneously as a child grows and the tubes enlarge naturally. However, the problem may be recurrent throughout childhood.

For people with Down syndrome, hearing loss has been a significant health issue in the past. This was due partly to untreated ear issues in early life. It is less of an issue today with more consistent monitoring. Hearing should be monitored at least every two years throughout life. People with Down syndrome experience some degree of hearing loss with ageing, as do the general population. Down syndrome and eyes Visual defects are common but correctable and people with Down syndrome should have their vision checked regularly throughout life.

Both long and short-sightedness are more common than in the general population. A decline in sight with ageing occurs at the same rate as in the general population. Other conditions that occur more commonly include: Squints Nystagmus — involuntary movements of the eye that blurs vision Cataracts — a clouding of the lens inside the eye Keratoconus — vision becomes impaired because the cornea changes shape. Down syndrome and teeth and gums The milk teeth of children with Down syndrome appear later than in other children, and they tend to keep them for longer, which results in increased wear and tear.

Adult teeth may be irregularly spaced. Gum disease is more common in people with Down syndrome and regular dental check-ups are advisable. Ongoing and specific instruction may be necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. Down syndrome and skin and hair The majority of people with Down syndrome have dry skin and hair, and routine monitoring for associated irritation, inflammation and infection is advisable. There is also increased likelihood of a number of common skin and hair disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, fungal and yeast infections, impetigo, eczema and alopecia.

Down syndrome and growth People with Down syndrome grow more slowly than others. They are usually short in stature and may be prone to weight gain, partly as a result of metabolic differences. A physically active lifestyle is recommended for general health and to combat this tendency. Neck problems In a small minority of children, there is increased mobility of the atlanto-axial joint.

This is the joint that connects the two neck bones directly under the skull known as the atlas and axis. This condition is known as atlanto-axial instability.