April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.

Facts about Down syndrome


By KATE BLAIN- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

When the Killars found out that their son Jude has Down syndrome, they immediately put their efforts toward finding out all they could about it through the internet, support groups and local contacts like the "Aim High" organization. Some of what they found out surprised them:

* 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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