1. Down Syndrome
Vanessa Tam 12A

2. Causes Birth defect Another name: Trisomy 21
Normal human beings: 46 chromosomes
The affected: 47 chromosomes
Most cases: extra copy of chromosome 21
Problems: development of brain and body

3. Physical Symptoms Decreased muscle tone Excess skin on the neck
Flattened nose
Separate joints between the bones of the skull
Single crease in the palm of the hand
Small ears, mouth
Upward slanting eyes
Short hands with short fingers
White spots on the colored part of the eye
Smaller head with abnormal shape: front is round and back is flat

5. Possible Mental and Social Development
Impulsive behavior
Poor judgment
Short attention span
Slow learning
 Requires patience from caretaker

7. Possible Medical Conditions
Heart problems (atrial/ventricular septal defect)
Dementia
Cataracts- most children with down syndrom need glasses)
Gastrointestinal blockage, causing massive vomiting
Hearing problems
Hip problems/Dislocation
Chronic constipation problems
Sleep apnea
Irregular growth of teeth, causing chewing problems
Underactive thyroid

9. Signs and Tests Initial diagnosis of down syndrome at birth
Heart murmur
Blood test
Tests to check whether he/she has down syndrome:
Echocardiogram
ECG
X-Rays
Ultrasound
Continuous tests for medical conditions later on in life:
Eye exams every year during infancy
Hearing tests every half a year/a year
Dental exams every half a year
X-rays of spine from 3 to 5 years old
Pelvic exams from 11 to 21 years old
Thyroid tests every year

10. Treatment
Surgery for serious medical conditions (e.g. gastrointestinal blockage; heart defects)
Sports to prevent/improve from obesity
Behavior training to improve frustration and compulsive behavior and encourage independence
Special education and training
Speech therapy- language
Physical therapy- movement skills
Occupational therapy- performing tasks
Mental healthcare/counselor

11. Bibliography http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH000199 2/
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