Down’s syndrome
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An extract from an article by NHS Choices.
Overview
Down’s syndrome, also known as Down syndrome or trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and certain physical characteristics.
Characteristics of Down’s syndrome
Most babies born with Down’s syndrome are diagnosed soon after birth and may have:
- floppiness (hypotonia)
- eyes that slant upwards and outwards
- a small mouth with a tongue that may stick out
- a flat back of the head
- below-average weight and length at birth
- their palm may have only one crease across it.
Although children with Down’s syndrome share some common physical characteristics, they don’t all look the same. A child with Down’s will look more like their family members than other children who have the syndrome.
People with Down’s syndrome will also have different personalities and abilities. Everyone born with Down’s syndrome will have some degree of learning disability, but this will be different for each person.
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