Facts about Down syndrome

* Down syndrome results from having an extra 21st chromosome. About 3,000 to 5,000 children per year are born with the disorder. The cause is unknown.

* The physical features of Down syndrome -- including flattening of the back of the head, slanted eyelids, skin folds at the inner corners of the eyes, a depressed nasal bridge and decreased muscle tone -- help doctors diagnose the disorder, but don't affect the person with Down syndrome.

* Not all children with Down syndrome are mentally retarded. Some function in the borderline to low-average range of development; others are mildly to moderately retarded. Motor and language development are slow for children with Down syndrome.

* Possible medical concerns for children with Down syndrome include hearing deficits, congenital heart disease, intestinal abnormalities, eye problems, thyroid dysfunction or skeletal problems. (KB)

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