DOWN SYNDROME

Down Syndrome is the commonest cause of mental handicap in the developed world. The incidence is about 1.3 per 1000 births. It is caused by having an extra number 21 chromosome in the cells (it is also called Trisomy 21). The presence of the extra 21 chromosome causes the mental and physical characteristics of the disorder.

Individuals can be easily recognised as they have a broad face, flat features, thick tongue and small nose. They have varying degrees of intellectual impairment. They also have oval shaped eyes which has led in the past to them being called ‘Mongol’. This term is not appropriate as it can occur in all ethnic groups and they do not have particularly Asian features.

There is no cure for Down Syndrome. Special early intervention programs are enabling individuals to live as full lives as possible. Most babies with Down Syndrome are born to women with no family history