Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. It is associated with cognitive impairment and physical birth defects. There are three main types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21, Mosaic, and Translocation. Prenatal testing can detect Down syndrome but about 90% of women receiving a positive result choose abortion. While there is no cure, early intervention and lifelong care help people with Down syndrome achieve their full potential and live fulfilling lives.

1. Down Syndrome Trisomy 21 Born with something extra

2. Researched and Compiled June 28, 2008 Valarie, Sandy, Leann, Joi, Gwendolyn

3. John Langdon Down Jérôme Lejeune

4. Down syndrome (DS) impairment of cognitive function birth defects physical growth impairment distinct facial appearance In the U.S. 1 in 733 live births 5,000 born each year

5. Born with a triple Chromosome 21

6. Trisomy 21 Mosaic Down syndrome Translocation Down syndrome Three Types are Recognized

7. Common physical features

8. Risk factors for DS Older maternal age Older paternal age Already having one child with DS Carriers of the genetic translocation

9. “ In ancient Greece, babies with disabilities were left out in the elements to die. We in America rely on prenatal genetic testing to make our selections in private, but the effect on society is the same.” — Patricia E. Bauer, Journalist, Down syndrome parent Former Washington Post bureau chief .

10. Prenatal testing for DS Triple test : AFP, unconjugated estriol and hCG Ultrasound – nuchal translucency Chorionic villus sampling Amniocentisis Percutaneous cord blood sampling

11. “ About 90 percent of pregnant women who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis have chosen to have an abortion.” — New York Times, May, 2007

12. Treatments for DS No medical cure Specialist team Care team Early intervention Continuing self-help skills

13. Congenital heart defects Leukemia Thyroid dysfunction Gastrointestinal problems Abnormal immune system Eye disorders, hearing loss Obstructive sleep apnea Early Dementia Health complications

14. Prognosis for DS Adults with good self-help skills can be expected to live into their 50s Those with poor self-help skills and live into their 40s. Their lifespan continues to increase.

15. Down syndrome Seniors Peter Davison , died aged 68 Mary Perry , aged 73

16. “ Disability is a part of the natural human experience.” — American Association of People with Disabilities

17. Down syndrome parents John and Max McGinley American Actor Platoon, “Scrubs” Sarah, Trig, and Todd Palin She is the Governor of Alaska

18. March 21 http://www. worlddownsyndromeday .org/

19. Family Resources Local: Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond www.dsagr.com D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) www.virginiadads.org Good Neighbor Village (residential community for adults with Down syndrome) www.goodneighborvillage.org Special Olympics Virginia www.specialolympicsva.org National/International: National Down Syndrome Congress www.ndsccenter.org National Down Syndrome Society www1.ndss.org The ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens) www.thearc.org Christian Children’s Fund www.christianchildrensfund.org

20. REFERENCES http://www.emedicine.com/ped/TOPIC615.HTM http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000815/825.html http://www.nads.org/pages_new/facts.html http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/down-syndrome/ http://www.ds-health.com/ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/us/09down.html