What is Down Syndrome?

Question

What does it mean if a child is diagnosed with Down syndrome?

Answer

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by a chromosomal abnormality. Patients have unique facial features, including small eyes, slanted eye corners, epicanthal folds, wide eye spacing, low flat bridge of the nose, smaller ears, and tongues that often protrude. Intellectual development is typically slower, and physical growth is also slower, possibly accompanied by features such as short stature, head circumference smaller than normal, delayed and misaligned tooth growth. Hair is fine and sparse, limbs are short, fingers are thick and may be curved. There is currently no effective cure for Down syndrome.