Down Syndrome

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Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which a child is born with an extra chromosome. The extra chromosome influences the child's brain and body development, resulting in developmental delays, intellectual disability, and an increased risk of certain medical issues.

People with Down syndrome have some intellectual disability, some distinguishing physical characteristics, a higher risk of certain health conditions (many of which are treatable), and some developmental delays.

The majority of children with Down syndrome have some level of intellectual disability, which is usually mild to moderate. People with mild intellectual disabilities can usually learn how to read, hold a job, and use public transportation on their own. People with moderate intellectual disability typically require more assistance.

Many children with Down syndrome can participate in regular classrooms, but they may require additional assistance or modifications. More and more people with Down syndrome are graduating from high school, attending college, and working in their communities as a result of widespread special education and community programs.

Types

We know how Down syndrome occurs, but we don't know why. Down syndrome is classified into three types:

  • Trisomy 21 is a condition in which every cell in the body has an extra chromosome 21. The majority of people with Down syndrome (approximately 95%) have trisomy 21. It is a congenital condition that does not run in families.
  • Mosaic Down syndrome is characterized by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 in some (but not all) of the cells, while the remaining cells have the normal genetic composition. Mosaic Down syndrome affects 1% to 2% of people with Down syndrome. It can cause milder intellectual disability and less obvious physical characteristics than other forms of Down syndrome.
  • Translocation Down syndrome is caused by a break in chromosome 21 that is then attached (translocated) to another chromosome. This can happen before or during conception. This type of Down syndrome is uncommon, occurring in only about 3% to 4% of people with the condition. In roughly one-third of these cases, the translocation was inherited from a parent. The family may be referred to a genetic counseling service in such a case.


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Statistics

  • Down's syndrome is the most common observable cause of intellectual disability, accounting for approximately 15-20% of the intellectually disabled population.
  • Down syndrome, which affects approximately one in every 700 children, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. It is named after John Langdon Down, a British physician who identified the characteristics of Down syndrome in 1866.
  • Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, affecting people of all races and cultures at roughly the same rate. Between 45 and 60 babies are born with Down syndrome each year.
  • Since the early 1900s, the average life span for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically. People with Down syndrome live an average of 55 to 60 years, with some living into their 70s or 80s.

Many children with Down syndrome learn and grow successfully with the assistance of specialised educational programmes and support. A growing number of people with Down syndrome complete high school. Some young people with Down syndrome attend college, and many work in the community after they graduate. Some adults with Down syndrome live independently, while others live in community-based homes or supported living arrangements where they can receive additional assistance based on their needs.

Reference:

Boston Children’s Hospital. (2023). Childrenshospital.org. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/down-syndrome#:~:text=Most%20children%20with%20Down%20syndrome,public%20transportation%20on%20their%20own.

‌‌Health. (2022). Down syndrome. Vic.gov.au. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/down-syndrome

Down’s Syndrome. (2023). Intellectualdisability.info. http://www.intellectualdisability.info/historic-articles/articles/downs-syndrome

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