2. Down’s Syndrome By: Jon Teen Health 8

3. Definition l A Chromosome abnormality resulting in mental retardation, and other physical abnormalities. l It is a genetic abnormality that makes the child have different facial features such as the face being rounded and with a Mongolian slant, or an upward slant of the eye sockets.

4. Causes l It is A congenital defect that causes mental and physical abnormalities. l It is caused by An extra 21 chromosome. It is caused by the increasing age of the mother, not the number of pregnancies.

5. Prognosis l The normal life span is shortened in Down’s Syndrome patients because of congenital heart defects, and by the increased incidence of acute leukemia. l The average mental age achieved by is approximately that of an 8 year old.

6. Prevention l The current way to Down’s Syndrome is to examine the chromosomes obtained by amniocentesis. l The parent with a child with Down’s Syndrome has an increased risk of having another child with Down’s Syndrome. l There is no cure but the are special classes to teach them things they need to know.

7. Prevention (Continued) l These classes prepare the children for the future, it also helps them understand more later in life.

8. Personal Story l Aliya is 4 1/2 years old girl with Down Syndrome. l Wants to be Cinderella, likes videos, and computers. l Wants to date the Prince from Cinderella, or Simba from the Lion King. l Lives with her parents, and can spell 3 letter words.

9. Symptoms l A decreased muscle tone at birth. l Odd shaped Shaped skull (Round head with flat area at back of head) l Have,“Mongolian Slant” or upward slant of skull. l Have small mouth with protruding tongue. l Wide short hands.

10. Symptoms (Continued) l A single crease in palm, or “Simian Crease.” l Abnormal growth and development. l Delayed mental and social growth. l Iris lesions, or “Brushfield Spots.”

11. Cases World Wide l The number of cases in America and the rest of the world is over 5,000. l I have found no exact number but hints to a total. there are many cases of Down’s syndrome but the have never been actually counted so I do not have a specific number.

12. Summary of Important Facts l Down’s Syndrome children average the the mental intellect of an 8 year old. l Women over 40 have an increased risk of have a child with down syndrome. l The disease is caused by an extra 21 chromosome. l Another name for this disease is Trisomy 21.

13. Important Facts (Continued) l Down’s Syndrome causes abnormal facial features. l Down syndrome causes mental retardation in the children that have it. l There are no current cures for Down’s Syndrome, but there are ways to detect if your child has Down’s Syndrome, it is called Amniocentesis.

14. BIBLIOGRAPHY l www.telebyte.com/upside/up-kids.html, is a site where they have pictures and a paragraph or so on the way this child lives. l www.yahoo.com, is a search engine that has a certain health part that I went to to get some of my information. l www.Drkoop.com, is a health site that has a search engine that takes you to information on a sickness or disease you have chosen.