Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called “nondisjunction.” Nondisjunction results in an embryo with three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two. Prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate.

Down syndrome, which arises from a chromosome defect, is likely to have a direct link with the increase in stress levels seen in couples during the time of conception, say Surekha Ramachandran, founder of Down Syndrome Federation of India, who has been studying about the same ever since her daughter was diagnosed with …

Some of the children with Mosaic Down syndrome that we know do not actually look as if they have Down syndrome – the usual physical features are not obvious. This raises some important and difficult social issues and identity issues for both parents and children, which parents have discussed with us.

The extra chromosome affects the way the child’s brain and body develop, leading to developmental delays, intellectual disability and an increased risk for certain medical issues. Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 children.

There’s no way to prevent Down syndrome. If you’re at high risk of having a child with Down syndrome or you already have one child with Down syndrome, you may want to consult a genetic counselor before becoming pregnant. A genetic counselor can help you understand your chances of having a child with Down syndrome.

If Down syndrome is not diagnosed during pregnancy, health care providers can usually diagnose Down syndrome based on the infant’s appearance. In such cases, the diagnosis should be confirmed using a blood test that examines the child’s chromosomes (karyotype).

Today the average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome is approximately 60 years. As recently as 1983, the average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome was 25 years.

amniocentesis, a prenatal diagnosis method in which a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac that surrounds the fetus. Amniocentesis is most often used to detect Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. This test is usually done in the second trimester, after 15 weeks of gestation.

Does the First Trimester Test or the Integrated Test detect all pregnancies with Down syndrome? No. About eight or nine out of 10 cases of Down syndrome are detected (classified as screen positive). This means that one or two out of 10 pregnancies with Down syndrome are missed (classified as screen negative).

Path to improved development. In many important ways, children who have Down syndrome are very much like other children. They have the same moods and emotions, they like to learn new things, play, and enjoy life. You can help your child develop by providing as many chances as possible for him or her to do these things.

Children with Down syndrome are children, above all else. As babies they cry and sleep, and as they grow they walk and talk. If you’re caring for a child with Down syndrome, you might face some challenges different to other parents.

The physical features and medical problems associated with Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child. While some kids with DS need a lot of medical attention, others lead healthy lives. Though Down syndrome can’t be prevented, it can be detected before a child is born.

Down syndrome, the most common chromosome-related genetic condition in the U.S., affects development of the brain and body. People with Down syndrome face physical and mental challenges, but can lead full and happy lives.

Down syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down syndrome. This means that Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 700 babies.

Adults with Down syndrome experience “accelerated aging,” meaning that they experience certain conditions and physical features that are common to typically aging adults at an earlier age than the general population.

People with Down syndrome used to be labeled “idiots, morons,” and “imbeciles” by both society and the medical profession. The label evolved into “Mongoloid, handicapped, mentally retarded, retarded,” and then for short, “retard.”

Women with Down syndrome are able to have children, but many men with the condition unfortunately are not able to, however it is possible. Women who have Down syndrome are able to have children; they have a 35-50% chance that their baby will have Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Driving Classses Many people with Down Syndrome lead independent lives, this includes being able to drive. If a person with Down syndrome can read and pass a driver’s education class and pass a road test, then they can get a driver’s license.

Adolescents and adults with Down Syndrome tend to be shorter than their peers, and have a lower resting metabolic rate of 10-15% than the general population which further predisposes to weight gain.

In the United States, many typical students go to work when their secondary studies are completed. For young adults with Down syndrome and other disabilities, employment may be appropriate if they have both good work skills and previous work experience.

Product assembly, landscape and gardening work, janitorial employment, therapy and charitable foundations are a good place to start. Many major brands go out of their way to hire people with Down syndrome including Lowes, Ikea, Walgreens and Stop and Shop.

I.Q. scores for people with Down syndrome vary, with the average cognitive delays being mild to moderate, not severe. In fact, normal intelligence is possible. If a person with Down syndrome has difficulty with hearing, it can be misinterpreted as a problem with understanding.