Down syndrome: characteristics and causes

Down syndrom

General

Also known as trisomy 21, Down syndrome is the most common of the numerical chromosomal abnormalities. This means that the chromosomes of a person with Down syndrome differ from the normal number. Down syndrome is therefore not a disease but a genetic makeup that deviates from the “normal state”. Every year, 200,000 children are born with this syndrome worldwide.

Causes of Down Syndrome

The most common form of Down syndrome is the so-called “free trisomy 21”. All body cells contain three copies of chromosome 21. The anomaly comes about as follows. It is an error in germ cell formation, in which the division of the 46 chromosomes then goes wrong. Both copies of chromosome 21 end up in the same cell instead of in two different cells. If this later connects to another “normal” cell, the trisome cell is formed.

The risk of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases with age. One in 260 children aged 35-40 has the syndrome, and one in 50 children aged 40-45.

Features of Down syndrome

Typical physical features include a short, flat-backed head, short neck, and a round, flat face. In addition, a child with Down syndrome usually has slightly slanting eyes with a delicate fold of skin at the inner corner of the eye, a wide bridge of the nose, usually an open mouth and increased salivation, a ridged tongue, a narrow, high palate, an underdeveloped jaw and teeth, small, low-set, rounded ears and broad hands with short fingers.

If your child has Down syndrome, their growth will be slowed, their muscles will be weak and their reflexes will be delayed. Complications can include a heart defect, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, hearing disorders, blood cancer, misalignment of the hips or a malfunction of the thyroid gland. In addition, boys or men with the syndrome are infertile.

But people with Down syndrome also have incredibly positive qualities. You have strong emotional abilities and a sunny disposition. They are mostly affectionate, affectionate and friendly and many have a special gift for music and a good sense of rhythm.

Down syndrome: therapy and course

Down syndrome is not curable. Children with the syndrome usually learn to speak, crawl and walk later. The intellectual development depends above all on the support. Most of the limitations can be reduced through consistent support and support. However, you have to start as early as possible.

The appropriate physiotherapy helps against muscle weakness. Language and speaking exercises are also beneficial and if possible, your child should attend a normal kindergarten. In school it will probably not be able to keep up, but this can also be remedied by integration classes or schools for the learning disabled. Your child is capable of learning and curious, it just takes a little longer than other children. A little patience and empathy is all it takes for the happy development, then your child can lead a fulfilling, almost independent life.