6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Down Syndrome

Education starts with awareness. That’s why we’re taking the time to cover some of the disabilities in today’s society you may have heard of, but know surprisingly little about them. Our blog series starts with Down syndrome. Read along as we cover some basic facts about this disability, it’s features, and risk factors.

6 Facts About Down Syndrome

What is Down syndrome, exactly? Get better acquainted with this genetic condition with these 5 helpful facts.

Down syndrome is causedby extra copies of chromosome 21.

This extra chromosome may be partial or whole, and can lead to one of three different types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21, Mosaic Down Syndrome or Translocation Down Syndrome.

Trisomy 21 is the most common form of this condition.

Trisomy 21 occurs when three copies of chromosome occur instead of two. It accounts for 95% of cases. Mosaic Down Syndrome and Translocation Down Syndrome are much rarer, accounting for 4% and 1% of all cases.

Symptoms can vary greatly from one case to another.

Down syndrome isn’t the same across the board. Cases vary from mild to severe. Symptoms may include some or all of the below:

Small Head
Flattened Facial Features
Eyes with An Upward Slant
Ears of Small or Unusual Shape
Short Neck
Poor Muscle Tone
Broad, Short Hands with a Single Palm Crease
Small Hands and Feet
Short Fingers
Extreme Flexibility
Short Stature
Brushfield’s Spots

Down syndrome also includes cognitive and physical impairments of varied severity. However, many individuals with Down syndrome may hold their own job, live independently and enjoy everyday activities.

The life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome has increased over the years.

Medical advancements have significantly increased the average lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome. In 1983, the average life expectancy was 25. In today’s society, the average lifespan is 60.

Approximately one-fourth of U.S. families are impacted by this condition.

While the cause for Down syndrome is unknown, the risk increases with the mother’s age.

It is the most common chromosomal condition in the U.S.

More than 400,000 individuals have Down syndrome in the U.S. with it occurring on average in 1 of every 691 babies born.

Why Dreamscape Foundation is Talking About It

Here at Dreamscape Foundation, we work day in and day out to help individuals with disabilities acquire the tools, programs, and resources they need to live a full life. While our focus is primarily on visual impairments, we don’t view ourselves as a singular community. We understand that the demand for special needs stretches beyond are individual cause, and that change happens through education, understanding, and support. That’s why we want to take the extra step in informing our community of other common disabilities in order to help form a bridge of understanding and connection. If you’re currently seeking local Down syndrome resources in Florida, we encourage you to visit the Global Down Syndrome Foundation online. If you’re an individual looking to raise funds to meet specific needs for yourself or a loved one, talk to us. We collaborate with individuals and organizations to help provide essential resources for individuals with disabilities.

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Tags: Awareness, Disability, Down Syndrome