Down syndrome is genetic, but does not run in families. People with Down syndrome have different abilities, traits, and health problems. These cannot be fully known before they are born. Causes:
- It is usually caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.
- It is not caused by anything a parent did or did not do.
- As a woman gets older, she has a higher chance of having a baby with Down syndrome.
How Common is Down Syndrome?
About 250,000 people in the United States have Down syndrome. One in 800 babies are born with it.
What is a Baby with Down Syndrome Like?
Raising a child with Down syndrome takes more time than raising other children. But, in general, they:
- Are more like other children than different.
- Have learning problems (usually not severe).
- Develop slowly. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy early in life can help them stay on track.
- Have hypotonia (low muscle tone) from birth. This gets better with time and physical therapy.
- Are more likely to have a problem with:
- Feeding and digestion
- Snoring
- Hearing
- Sleep apnea
- Sight
- Frequent congestion
What is the Health of People with Down Syndrome?
People with Down syndrome have better health than in the past. They usually live for 60 years. This is from progress in health care, education, and public attitudes.
Half of them have health problems:
- About 5 out of 10 have a heart condition.
- About 1 out of 10 have a stomach problem that might need surgery. Some have lung infections.
- Some have sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
- Some have hypothyroidism.
What is Education Like for a Down Syndrome Child?
There are programs that help them reach their full abilities:
- Individualized education program (IEP)
- Special education (learning in a small group or the regular classroom)
- More than 250 college programs for people with mental disability
What is Adult Life Like for a Person with Down Syndrome?
Many are thriving, with active lives. Research finds that most are happy with their lives. This is because the public now values them as members of the community. People with Down syndrome can:
- Be in sports
- Take part in school and social activities
- Have a job
Live on their own or in a group home - Have friends and close relationships
Need Support?
A genetic counselor can help. Ask your nurse or baby’s doctor if you would like a referral for one here in Central Arkansas. Or, you can go to www.nsgc.org to search for a genetic counselor on your own. They can provide info on:
- Types of pre-natal (pre-birth) screening tests – their accuracy and limits
- Your choices (keep the baby, adoption, or abortion)
- Your chance of having another baby with Down syndrome
- Genetics of Down syndrome
- Connecting with local resources (support groups or other Down syndrome families)
There are many Facebook groups you can join for additional support.
Two great ones are:
- “Central Arkansas Buddy Talk”
- “Arkansas Down Syndrome Network”