Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. It causes some physical characteristics like low muscle tone and an upward slant to the eyes. Early intervention through therapies can help children with Down syndrome develop skills to lay a foundation for future progress. While individuals with Down syndrome learn at different rates, educational and therapeutic interventions from a young age can greatly benefit them. With support, people with Down syndrome can achieve varied goals and roles.

1. Having a Child with Down
Syndrome
By. Arie D Munigar (ETG)

2. WHAT IS DOWN
SYNDROME?
a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome
defect, causing intellectual impairment and physical
abnormalities including short stature and a broad
facial profile. It arises from a defect involving
chromosome 21, usually an extra copy (trisomy-21)

3. In every cell in the human body there is a nucleus,
where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes
carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited
traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called
chromosomes.
Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of
chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each
parent. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has
a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
This additional genetic material alters the course of
development and causes the characteristics
associated with Down syndrome.
A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome
are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to
the eyes, and a single deep crease across the
center of the palm - although each person with Down
syndrome is a unique individual and may
possess these characteristics to different degrees, or
not at all.

4. Trisomy Chromosomes in People with Down Syndrome

5. WHAT CAUSES DOWN
SYNDROME?
Regardless of the type of Down syndrome a person may have, all people with Down
syndrome have an extra, critical portion of chromosome 21 present in all or some of
their cells. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and
causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
The cause of nondisjunction is currently unknown, but research has shown that it
increases in frequency as a woman ages. However, due to higher birth rates in
younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35
years of age.
There is no definitive scientific research that indicates that Down syndrome is caused
by environmental factors or the parents' activities before or during pregnancy.
The additional partial or full copy of the 21st chromosome which causes Down
syndrome can originate from either the father or the mother. Approximately 5% of the
cases have been traced to the father.

6. EARLY INTERVENTION AND
THERAPY
The first years of life are a critical time in a child's development. All young children go through the most
rapid and developmentally significant changes during this time. During these early years, they achieve
the basic physical, cognitive, language, social and self-help skills that lay the foundation for future
progress, and these abilities are attained according to predictable developmental patterns. Children
with Down syndrome typically face delays in certain areas of development, so early intervention is
highly recommended. It can begin anytime after birth, but the sooner it starts, the better.
Therapy that recommended for children with down syndrome: physical therapy, occupational therapy,
speech and language therapy, and some alternative therapy such as holistic and musical therapy.

7. SCHOOL AND
EDUCATION
Like all people, individuals with Down syndrome learn and develop at their own rate and in their own
way. People with Down syndrome have varied goals for their futures and individual expectations of
their roles in the family, school and community.
Down syndrome is not a blueprint for potential or a prescription for a given educational or life plan.
However, people with Down syndrome often experience mild to moderate delays in their cognitive and
physical development and research has shown that educational and therapeutic interventions (such
as early intervention services) can greatly benefit learners with Down syndrome. Careful
consideration, supports and early planning are often necessary to facilitate education and community
life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLs-PxZa138

8. MY OPPORTUNITIES, MY
CHOICES’They can be whatever they want to be

9. SOURCE
http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/fundamentals/genetics/genes
_and_chromosomes.html