Genetic DisordersBy Rachel & MacKenzie

Period: 4

Mrs. Bock

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in an extra twenty first chromosome. This disease leads to impairments in physical growth that can range from small to large development disabilities. Around 75% - 80% of children with Down Syndrome are born to younger mothers.

Personal story

Travjuan “Bubba” Hunter was crowned homecoming king in Florida at West Orange High School in October 2013. He, as well as homecoming queen, Semone Adkins, have Down Syndrome.

Personal Story

These two long time friends were the first special needs students to get the honor of homecoming king and queen at the Florida high school. Bubba and Semone were the winners of 10 finalists out of 800 students. They rode in a parade and came out in a black Maserati and red Ferrari.

Personal story

Unfortunately, Bubba died at the age 20 of pneumonia, due to his immune system being too weak.

Physical features of Down Syndrome

Low muscle tone

Flat facial features (small nose)

Upward slant to the eyes

Small skin fold on the inner corner of the eyes

Small ears

Single deep crease across the center of the palm

Hyperflexability

Enlarged tongue that sticks out

Internal features of Down Syndrome

Intellectual disability

Heart defects; almost half

Eye conditions

Respiratory infections

Constipation

Hearing problems

Dental problems

Are there mental effects to Down Syndrome?

Depression

Anxiety

ADHD

Autism

Compulsive Behavior

Chronic sleep difficulties

Dementia (mostly in older people)

How is DNA effected?

With Down Syndrome, people have three copies of chromosome 21 instead of just two. A less common version is when people have normal copies of chromosome 21 with the third attached to another chromosome.

How is Down Syndrome inherited?

People with translocation Down Syndrome can inherit it from an uninfected parent.

How common is Down Syndrome?

One in every 691 babies has Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome is the most common genetic disorder. More than 400,000 Americans have Down Syndrome. Over 6,000 babies are born with Down Syndrome each year.

How do doctors diagnose Down Syndrome?

Screening tests, ultrasound or a blood test during your first or second trimester. These can help show if the baby is at risk for Down syndrome. But these tests sometimes give wrong information.

What is being done about Down Syndrome?

Therapy

Treatments

Physical Therapy

Research

Drug Treatment

Conclusion

In conclusion, Down Syndrome does not have a cure and is very common. Most kids and adults with down syndrome are affected tremendously with just every day tasks, such as feeding themselves. People who have Down Syndrome need a lot of help and care.

Citations

Stump, Scott. “Students with Down Syndrome Crowned King and Queen.”

www.today.com/news/students-down-syndrome-crowned-homecoming-king-queen-8C11405859 10/22/15

National Down Syndrome Society. “What is Down Syndrome.”

www.ndss.org/down-syndrome/what-is-down-syndrome/ 10/22/15

Monsanto. “Understanding Down Syndrome Signs”

www.webmd.com/children/understanding-down-syndrome-symptoms 10/22/15

National Association for Down Syndrome. “Facts About Down Syndrome.”

http://www.nads.org/resources/facts-about-down-syndrome/ 10/27/15