6 Important Facts About Down Syndrome Everybody Should Know

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Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal disorder: one in every 691 children is born with this genetic condition in the United States. At the same time, many people don’t have enough information about Down syndrome.

Here are six important facts about Down syndrome that everybody should know.

1. Typically, people have 46 chromosomes, but a person with Down syndrome has 47. How is this possible? Individuals who have this condition are born with an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.

2. We can’t call Down syndrome a disease or illness, so we can’t catch it. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that is the result of an extra chromosome. There are three different types of Down syndrome depending. The most common form is trisomy 21 when every cell has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome.

Mosaicism means that an extra chromosome is only in some cells. Translocation occurs if a child is born with only an extra piece of the 21st chromosome. They have 46 total chromosomes, but one of them has an extra genetic material of the 21st chromosome.

3. There is no “mild” or “severe” Down syndrome. People either have this condition, or they don’t.

4. Kids with Down syndrome have the same stages of development as typical children. The only difference is that these children need more time to achieve their milestones.

5. People with Down syndrome suffer from cognitive delays, but it doesn’t affect their talents and strengths. This condition doesn’t mean that people can’t live independently.

6. People who have Down syndrome have to go through a lot of challenges. One of them is low muscle tone that affects everything, including motor skills and speech. Different types of therapy can help to improve the situation.