Downs Syndrome
Characteristics of Down's syndrome
Source: NHS
In this topic (8)
Each personwith Down's syndromeis affecteddifferently, but most share a number of physical characteristics and developmental problems.
Physical appearance
People with Down's syndrome often have certain physical characteristics. Not everyone will have all of them, but they may include:
- reduced muscle tone thatresults in floppiness (hypotonia)
- a small nose and flat nasal bridge
- a small mouth with a protruding tongue
- eyes that slant upwards and outwards
- a flat back of the head
- a big space between the first and second toe (sandal gap)
- broad hands with short fingers
- their palm may have only one crease across it (single transverse palmar crease)
- below-average weight and length at birth
However, it is important to note that people with Down's syndrome do not all look the same.
They will alsoshare physical features with their parents and family.
Delayed development
All children with Down's syndrome have some degree of learning disability and delayed development, but this varies widely between individual children.
Children with the condition may be slower to learn skills such as:
- reaching
- sitting
- standing
- walking
- talking
Achild with Down's syndromewillgain these skills eventually it simply takes more time.
Around1 in every 10children also experienceadditional difficulties such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .
Because ofthese problems, children with Down's syndrome often require extra support as they grow up andadditional help at school.
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Health problems
While many children and adults withDown's syndrome have few other health problems, there are a number of conditions that occur more frequently in people with Down's syndrome.
These include problems with the heart and bowel, difficulties with hearing and vision, and an increased risk of infections.
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Further reading
You may find it helpful to read about:
Articles for Downs Syndrome
'I'm going to celebrate what she can achieve'
Richard Davis's daughter, Victoria, was born with Down's syndrome. He talks about the impact the condition has had on her and their family life.
'She's brought an awful lot of fun into our house'
Emily was born with Down's syndrome. Her mum, Sarah, talks about the health issues they faced and Emily's life today.
Causes of Down's syndrome
Down's syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs as a result of an extra chromosome (chromosome 21).
Characteristics of Down's syndrome
Each person with Down's syndrome is affected differently, but most people with the condition share a number of physical characteristics.
Complications of Down's syndrome
Some children with Down's syndrome have very few health problems as a result of their condition. Others will need extra medical care and attention.
Diagnosing Down's syndrome
Screening during pregnancy can determine the likelihood of a baby being born with Down's syndrome, but in many cases the condition is only diagnosed after birth.
Introduction
Down's syndrome, also known as Down syndrome, is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and characteristic physical features.
Living with Down's syndrome
Having Down's syndrome, or having a child with the condition, can be challenging at times.
