Down Syndrome Sample Project Period X October 14, 2013

Description & Prevalence Description: Down Syndrome is a genetic birth defect causing mental retardation and physical abnormalities caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 – there are three copies of the 21 st chromosome, rather than two. Prevalence: Down Syndrome is common, affecting 1 in 800 babies born in the US. There are more than 400,000 individuals with Down Syndrome in the US.

Diagnosis Down Syndrome can be diagnosed before birth by performing amniocentesis on the pregnant mother, which involves testing baby’s DNA material via the amniotic fluid. There are other diagnostic tests, but ‘amnio’ is the most common. Shortly after birth, Down Syndrome can be diagnosed by a doctor by checking the baby and performing DNA testing.

Causes & Risk Factors Causes: Down Syndrome is not related to race, gender, economic status, or religion. It is a genetic mutation that causes an extra copy of the 21 st chromosome to be present in the developing embryo/fetus. Risk Factors: Age of the mother at the time of pregnancy is a risk factor. At 25, only 1 in 1250 mothers will have a baby with DS. By 35, the defect is 1 in 400 and at 45, 1 in 30 will be Down Syndrome.

Treatment Down Syndrome cannot be cured. Treatment includes special education, including speech therapy and special day classes or educational support. There are also developmental therapies and family support to help families affected by Down Syndrome. Since adults with Down Syndrome may be unable to work and care for themselves completely, adult programs for people with Down Syndrome can include day care programs, special job training, or institutional living facilities for adults who cannot live on their own.

Information There are many organizations that provide information about Down Syndrome: National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, etc. There are also websites that provide information about this birth defect: and syndrome.aspx. syndrome.aspx

Bibliography "Down syndrome | March of Dimes." Home | March of Dimes. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct