What You Need to Know about Down Syndrome
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Down syndrome is a common chromosomal condition affecting about 6,000 babies in the U.S. each year. The number of babies born with Down syndrome has been increasing in recent years, in part due to the growing number of pregnancies in older women. Because of better health care and services, people with Down syndrome are living longer and many lead productive lives well into adulthood. However, differences in survival still exist and are not fully understood.
Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. This extra copy of genetic material changes the body's and brain's normal development and can cause mental and physical problems for the baby. Even though people with Down syndrome might have some physical and mental features in common, every baby born with Down syndrome is different and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some examples of physical problems associated with Down syndrome include a birth defect of the heart or problems with the stomach, hearing, skeleton, intestines, thyroid, or eyes. People with Down syndrome usually have an IQ in the mild-to-moderate range of intellectual disabilities and typically have delayed language development and can have difficulties with physical coordination.
Babies and children with Down syndrome often benefit from special therapies that help to improve their physical and intellectual limitations, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Children with Down syndrome usually also benefit from extra help or attention in school. These services and improved care have contributed to full and productive living lasting well into adulthood for many people with Down syndrome.
