what is Downs syndrome?

Answer 1

Downs syndrome, in which an individual's cells contain a third copy of chromosome 21 It causes mental retardation but that varies from person to person.

Answer 2

down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder, trisomy 21, i.e. the 21st chromosome is in that person's cells three times and not twice the way it should be. people with down syndrome have characteristic physical features like flatter faces than most people, eyes that look vaguely asian (that's where the old name for the condition, mongolism, comes from), tendentially short, stocky built, thin, straight hair, poor muscle tone and a so-called simian crease on their palms. because of the poor muscle tone they'll also often have speech impediments that can be treated with speech therapy. some of them will have heart and kidney problems and poor immunity. mentally, they tend to be developmentally delayed. some will have normal intelligence, but most will be slightly below normal, and a small minority will have severe learning disabilities. even those with normal intelligence will often display a more naive attitude than other people of their age. on the upside, people with down syndrome tend to be very open and social, the heart and soul of the party among their peers, and with a little help can accomplish just about anything other people can. there are more and more young people with down syndrome attending college now, and in many countries most of them are now in mainstream education, which benefits the regular kids in their class as much as them.

clive - that answer was so not necessary. have you ever actually socially interacted with a person with down syndrome? you might want to try that before making judgements on their right to be born.

Answer 3

I think most people here gave you fairly accurate answers with the exception of Clive, who clearly has never known anyone with Down syndrome. I won't get into an argument about abortion, but I will tell you that most people with Down syndrome function quite well in society. They attend regular schools, some learn to drive, many hold jobs, some get married.

Children with Down syndrome experience some developmental delays and often have low muscle tone which can cause them to be a little delayed in walking or certain other physical tasks. There are federal laws mandating therapy for children with Developmental delays, and I can tell you from experience that children with Down syndrome learn to do everything any other kid can do, it just takes longer. For example, my son, at 2 years old, has a somewhat limited oral vocabulary, but he knows dozens of signs (sign language) and when he learns the word, he replaces the sign for the spoken word.

Answer 4

It is a condition that is not understood a lot, but is taunted, teased and abused a lot.

Down syndrome (also Down's syndrome) or trisomy 21 is a genetic condition resulting from the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. Down syndrome is characterized by a combination of major and minor abnormalities of body structure and function. Among features present in nearly all cases are impairment of learning and physical growth, and a recognizable facial appearance usually identified at birth. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British doctor who first described it in 1866.

Individuals with Down syndrome have lower than average cognitive ability, normally ranging from mild to moderate retardation. Some individuals may have average intelligence overall, but will generally have some amount of developmental disability, such as a tendency toward concrete thinking or naïveté. There is also a small number of individuals with Down syndrome with severe to profound mental retardation. The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 per 800 to 1 per 1000 births.

The common physical features of Down syndrome also appear in people with a standard set of chromosomes. They include a simian crease (a single crease across one or both palms), almond shaped eyes, shorter limbs, speech impairment, and an enlarged tongue. Health concerns for individuals with Down syndrome include a higher risk for congenital heart defects, gastroesophageal reflux disease, recurrent ear infections, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroid dysfunctions.

Early childhood intervention, screening for common problems, medical treatment where indicated, a conducive family environment, and vocational training can improve the overall development of children with Down syndrome. While some of the genetic limitations of Down Syndrome cannot be overcome, education and proper care, initiated at any time, can improve quality of life.

Answer 5

It is a condition arising from an extra inherited chromosome. It is believed to arise during the formation of the egg during a process called meiosis. The 23 pairs of chromosomes present in all the cells of the body with the exception of the gametes (sex cells) occur in pairs - one of each pair having been inherited from the (grand)father and one from the (grand)mother. During egg formation, these pairs of chromosomes are reduced to single copies. However, one of the pairs does not separate. As a result, whereas two cells should be formed each with a single copy of the 23, the egg destined to form a Down's child inherits 24 and the other is not viable having only 22. When the "Down's" egg is fertilised with normal sperm carrying 23 chromosomes, the fertilised egg (zygote) has one extra chromosome.

In plants, this inheriting of additional copies of a chromosome can give rise to hybrid vigour where plants produce more fruit and flowers and are generally healthier. In animals, such mutations are either lethal or cause some type of abnormality.

Answer 6

Downs Syndrome is when a person gets an extra 21st chromosome so instead of 46 they have 47 which really screwes up genetic makeup

Answer 7

Down syndrome (also Down's syndrome) or trisomy 21 is a genetic condition resulting from the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. Down syndrome is characterized by a combination of major and minor abnormalities of body structure and function. Among features present in nearly all cases are impairment of learning and physical growth, and a recognizable facial appearance usually identified at birth. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British doctor who first described it in 1866.

Individuals with Down syndrome have lower than average cognitive ability, normally ranging from mild to moderate retardation. Some individuals may have average intelligence overall, but will generally have some amount of developmental disability, such as a tendency toward concrete thinking or naïveté. There is also a small number of individuals with Down syndrome with severe to profound mental retardation. The incidence of Down syndrome is estimated at 1 per 800 to 1 per 1000 births.

The common physical features of Down syndrome also appear in people with a standard set of chromosomes. They include a simian crease (a single crease across one or both palms), almond shaped eyes, shorter limbs, speech impairment, and an enlarged tongue. Health concerns for individuals with Down syndrome include a higher risk for congenital heart defects, gastroesophageal reflux disease, recurrent ear infections, obstructive sleep apnea, and thyroid dysfunctions.

Early childhood intervention, screening for common problems, medical treatment where indicated, a conducive family environment, and vocational training can improve the overall development of children with Down syndrome. While some of the genetic limitations of Down Syndrome cannot be overcome, education and proper care, initiated at any time, can improve quality of life

Answer 8

Downs syndrome is when people are born with an extra chromosome - the levels of difficulties can vary from mild to moderate learning difficulties or mental retardation (dont like to call it this).

Answer 9

Children and adults with Downs are the most loving people I know!! Before I became unable to work I worked for Mental Health and worked in a home with one of my favorites. She'd meet me at the door every time I walked in there,gave the best hugs and I truly miss her. While in other areas in this job I dealt with others and yes they were and still are very productive in the community.I could go on but won't...Bless the families and caregivers of the special Downs in our world xox

Answer 10

firstly to that idiot who says that downs babys should be aborted,you are nothing but one sick sadistic sad individual GO GET A LIFE IDIOT. i have a downs sister and she has probably got more sense than that moron,she is loving and caring and certainly hasnt got half a life she lives life to the full,she lives in a bungalow and carers keep an eye on her ,she goes out to pubs and clubs and she is working fulltime,and that is something most what they call normal people dont even have.they are caring loving and bring great joy into your life ,you will never have a better friend good luck and i hope this has helped ,always remember they have that extra cromosone because they are special not because they have half a life.