Understanding Down Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Myths Debunked
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I think we have all seen children who have abnormal physical features at some point in our lives. Some of us know that this condition is called Down syndrome. But do we know what is this condition is about? What causes it? How can we help them? Well, I've got that covered in this blog! Let’s try to be more aware individuals and educate ourselves.
What is Down Syndrome
Let's start with defining a Chromosome; it is a thread-like structure made up of DNA and has genetic information about our bodies. Information like the colour of your skin, the colour of your eyes, how tall you will grow and so on. You and me have 23 pairs of chromosomes in our body (a total of 46) but a person with down syndrome has 1 extra chromosome in its 21st pair. This genetic condition changes the way their brain and body develop.
What causes Down Syndrome
This genetic condition can affect anyone. It doesn’t happen as a result of something that the parents did before or during pregnancy. People don’t usually inherit this genetic condition in any pattern during conception. Moreover, research is ongoing to learn more about the risk factors of Down syndrome. Studies suggest that the risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases as the mother ages. Females who are 35 or older are more likely to have a child diagnosed with Down syndrome or another type of genetic condition. (Trimble, B. K., Baird, P. A., & Opitz, J. M., 1978).
Signs and Symptoms
Down syndrome causes changes in physical, cognitive and behavioral features. Not all people with Down syndrome have all of these symptoms. Symptoms and their severity are different from person to person.
Physical signs of Down syndrome are usually present at birth and become more apparent as the baby grows. They can include:
A flat nose bridge.
Slanted eyes that point upward.
A short neck.
Small ears, hands and feet.
Weak muscle tone at birth.
Small pinky finger that points inward towards the thumb.
One crease in the palm of their hand (palmar crease).
Shorter-than-average height.
A child with Down syndrome may have cognitive development challenges as a result of their extra chromosome. This can cause intellectual or developmental disabilities. Your child’s ability to meet developmental milestones, or things that your child can do at a certain age, may differ from other children, including how they:
Walk and move
Speak
Learning
Play
A child diagnosed with Down syndrome may exhibit behavioral symptoms. This can be the result of your child not being able to communicate their needs to their caregivers effectively. Some of the behavioural symptoms are:
Stubbornness and tantrums.
Difficulty paying attention.
Obsessive or compulsive behaviors.
Common Myths about Down Syndrome
Myth: People who have Down syndrome die young.
Reality: The average life expectancy for a person with Down syndrome is nearly 60 years old. Some people with Down syndrome have lived into their 80s.
Myth: All individuals with Down Syndrome have a severe cognitive disability.
Reality: While it's true that Down syndrome is characterised by intellectual and developmental delays, the severity varies greatly among individuals. Many people with Down syndrome have mild to moderate cognitive impairment, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives with the right support and opportunities for growth. With early intervention and availability of resources, individuals with Down syndrome can thrive in various areas of life.
Myth: Individuals with this diagnosis are unemployable
Reality: Many of them are fully capable of meaningful employment and contribute positively to the workforce. With proper training, accommodations, and support from employers and colleagues, they can excel in various jobs and industries.
Ref:
Trimble, B. K., Baird, P. A., & Opitz, J. M. (1978). Maternal age and Down syndrome: age‐specific incidence rates by single‐year intervals. American journal of medical genetics, 2(1), 1-5.
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