About Down Syndrome
You have probably seen people who have Down syndrome. They have certain physical features, such as a flatter face and upward slanting eyes.
They may have medical problems, too, such as heart defects. Children with Down syndrome usually have trouble learning and are slower to learn how to talk and take care of themselves. But despite their challenges, children with Down syndrome can go to regular schools, make friends, enjoy life, and get jobs when they're older. Getting special help early — often when they are just babies and toddlers — can be the key to healthier, happier, more independent lives.
To understand why Down syndrome happens, you need to understand a little about chromosomes. What are chromosomes? They're thread-like structures within each cell and are made up of genes. Genes provide the information that determines everything about people, from hair color to whether they are girls or boys.
Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. But a baby with Down syndrome has an extra chromosome (47 instead of 46) or one chromosome has an extra part. This extra genetic material causes problems with the way their bodies develop
About half of babies with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, which means their hearts developed differently and don't work as they should. Usually, these problems can be corrected by surgery. Some babies may have intestinal problems that also require surgery to fix.
Information from – www.kidshealth.org
Personal & Parental Experiences
Julie - Down Syndrome: read more...
Charity Links
Downs Syndrome Research Foundation - www.dsrf-uk.org/
Our objective is to fund research which builds on the studies which have previously been undertaken. We believe that wherever we see the need for research which will make a difference to people with Down Syndrome and enhance their quality of life, then we will try to ensure that this will happen through our support, grants and funding and by working with others on collaborative research projects.
Our vision is to undertake research and find ways of improving the quality of the lives of people with Down Syndrome
DSA – Downs Syndrome Association - www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
Welcome to the Down's Syndrome Association website. Our aim is to help people with Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.
