A Guide to Down Syndrome

Down syndrome was first discovered by Dr. John Landgon Down in 1866.  He worked in a hospital with very many patients who were both developing slowly and didn’t look like the other kids. Not all kids, but most of them, have slanting eyes, a wide space in between both their eyes, flat nose and short fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms and legs. Kids that have Down syndrome also have intellectual problems in addition to physical ones.

They have problems with speech, problems with vision, poor coordination skills and intellectual problems which indicate it takes them longer to learn and understand things. In addition, they also are more prone to ear infections, stuffy noses and heart problems. Back years ago, some children that were diagnosed with Down syndrome did not live very long because of all the problems they had. But with today’s technology, doctors can do more to help them live longer lives such as medication and surgery.

Down syndrome is not catchy. It is something that you are born with. Everyone has DNA and 23 pairs of chromosomes. Half of your chromosomes come from your mom and the other half come from your dad. With kids who have Down syndrome, there is an extra chromosome. That is the only thing that differs from a normal child to one that has Down syndrome; one single chromosome. There is no cure for Down syndrome. Many kids who have Down syndrome are able to go to a regular school but they will need extra help in the classroom.