Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of developmental disabilities and mental retardation. It is caused by a baby getting extra genetic material from chromosome 21. It occurs in about 1 in 700 births, is more common in pregnancies with a mother over age 35, and it is more common in boys.
Down Syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of mental retardation and associated medical problems included congenital heart disease, hypothyroidism, hearing loss and vision disorders. Learn about screening tests and health supervision guidelines for children with Down syndrome.
Learn more about this common genetic disorder and cause of mental retardation by review these down syndrome facts.
Review some of the causes of Down syndrome, including advanced maternal age.
Review some of the prenatal diagnostic tests that can be performed to determine the occurrence of Down syndrome.
Review an image of the karyotype of a child with Down syndrome or Trisomy 21.
Links to information, resources, and support for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21).
Down's syndrome and downs syndrome are common variations for the genetic disorder down syndrome.
Health supervision guidelines for children with Down syndrome by age group from the American Academy of Pediatrics, including medical evaluation, referrals to specialists, screening tests for thyroid and blood disorders, Down syndrome growth charts and developmental issues.
Information to help you breastfeed your baby with Down syndrome.
Stories about parents finding out that their child has Down syndrome. Includes a link to a speech "What To Say to Parents of a Child With a Diagnosis" if a friend or family member has just delivered a baby with Down syndrome.
A listing of Down Syndrome clinics in the United States, plus a link to a listing of international clinics.
Essays about children with Down syndrome, from a Pediatrician and father of a child with DS. Includes articles about health issues, controversies, why Down syndrome occurs, mosiac DS, atlantoaxial instability, constipation, OSA, thyroid disorders, and speech, language, physical, and occupational therapy for children with Down syndrome.
A discussion of the most common problems and clinical manifestations of children with Down syndrome or trisomy 21.
An email discussion list to talk with other parents of children with Down syndrome.
'A list for parents of children with Down Syndrome to brag, talk about concerns, medical problems, schooling,therapy, and so on.'
A comprehensive source of information about Down syndrome, including frequently asked questions, news, education, research, and advocacy. Plus an information and referral service to help you find local services to help care for your child.
A discussion of Trisomy 21, Mosaic and Translocation Trisomy 21 and the recurrence risk of having another child with Down Syndrome for each type. Plus information on prenatal testing, including measuring maternal serum alpha feto-protein (MSAFP), chorion villus biopsy (CVS), and amniocentesis.
