What is down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition. It's caused by having an extra chromosome. This affects how a baby's body and brain develop during pregnancy and after birth.

Children who have this condition may share similar features, such as almond-shaped eyes that tilt upward. They may learn to talk later than other children and have some intellectual disability. Some children may also have certain health issues, such as a heart problem. But every person’s experience is different, and each person with Down syndrome has unique strengths and abilities.

With care and support, most people who have Down syndrome can live full, healthy lives.

Children with Down syndrome have a range of symptoms. They may share similar features, such as almond-shaped eyes that tilt upward. And they usually learn to talk later than other children and have some intellectual disability. But every child is different, and each will have unique strengths and abilities.

Some children may also have certain health issues, such as heart, intestine, ear, or breathing problems. These issues often lead to other problems, such as airway (respiratory) infections or hearing loss. But most of these problems can be treated.

Your doctor may suggest that you have tests during pregnancy to find out if your baby has Down syndrome. You may decide to have:

Screening tests.

These include an ultrasound and a blood test during your first or second trimester. These tests can help show if the developing baby (fetus) is at risk for Down syndrome.

Diagnostic tests.

These include chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. They can show if a baby has Down syndrome. You may want to have these tests if you have abnormal results from a screening test or if you are worried about Down syndrome.

Sometimes a baby is diagnosed after birth. A doctor may have a good idea that a baby has Down syndrome based on the way the baby looks and the results of a physical exam. To make sure, the baby's blood will be tested.

Your doctor will make a treatment plan that meets your child's needs.

Starting soon after birth, a baby with Down syndrome will be tested for health problems, such as eye, ear, or thyroid problems. The sooner these problems are found, the better they can be managed. Regular doctor visits can help your child stay in good health. Most children with Down syndrome need speech therapy and physical therapy. Teens and adults with Down syndrome may need occupational therapy to learn job skills and learn how to live on their own. If there are social and emotional issues, counseling may help.

Many professionals will help you and your child through life. With treatment and support, you can help your child live a happy, healthy life.

• Encourage your teen to take part in school and community activities. Give your teen the chance to form healthy friendships. Friends can help your teen feel happy and like they are part of the group.
• Support your teen's interests, such as in art or music.
• Start early to prepare your child for healthy adult relationships. Puberty starts at about the same age for teens with Down syndrome as for other young people. Your child will have many of the same sexual feelings as other teens.
  • Discuss love, mutual respect, kindness, and how to form friendships.
  • Discuss birth control in a clear, simple way.
  • Teach safer-sex practices to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
  • Teach respect for his or her body and the bodies of others.
  • Talk openly about your morals and beliefs.
• Be involved with your child's education. Your child may need an adapted curriculum and might attend special classes.
• Help your child set a daily routine to take care of hygiene needs. Teach him or her to shower or bathe and use deodorant.
• Encourage your child to be active. Find activities your teen enjoys. Regular exercise is important for your child's health and well-being.
• Help your child avoid abuse by teaching them how to be assertive and to recognize threats. These teens are more at risk for sexual abuse, injury, and other harm. Carefully screen caregivers. Teach your child to go out with a buddy. Talk about how to respond to strangers.
• Seek counseling for your teen if you notice signs of depression. Your teen is at increased risk for depression, especially after a loss or a major upset in the normal routine. A change in behavior is often the first sign of a problem.
• Start planning for your teen's future. Many adults with Down syndrome have jobs and live independently in group homes or apartments with support services. Occupational therapy can help teach your teen the skills they need for adult life.