Question
My brother recently was diagnosed with Down syndrome at the hospital. We would like to understand what Down syndrome is and what symptoms it may present?
Answer
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with an abnormality in the 21st chromosome. Its main symptoms include intellectual development delays, distinctive facial features, and physical deformities. Intellectual development delays manifest as children learning and developing language at a slower pace than their peers, possibly requiring additional support and educational resources. Distinctive facial features may include crossed eyes, flat facial contours, small, round ears, etc. Physical deformities may include low muscle tone, short and stubby fingers, and a shorter stature. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for families to seek medical assistance and provide appropriate dietary advice in a timely manner.