What is Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome are first and foremost human beings who have recognizable physical characteristics and limited intellectual endowment [which are due to the presence of an extra chromosome 21.]

The estimated incidence of Down syndrome in USA is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births. Each year approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born in USA with this chromosome disorder. It is believed there are about 250,000 families in the United States who are affected by Down syndrome.

Children with Down syndrome are usually smaller, and their physical and mental developments are slower than youngsters who do not have Down syndrome. The majority of children with Down syndrome function in the mild to moderate range of mental retardation. However, some children are not mentally retarded at all; they may function in the borderline to low average range; others may be severely mentally retarded. There is a wide variation in mental abilities and developmental progress in children with Down syndrome. Also, their motor development is slow; and instead of walking by 12 to 14 months as other children do, children with Down syndrome usually learn to walk between 15 to 36 months. Language development is also markedly delayed.

It is important to note that a caring and enriching home environment and integrated education efforts will have a positive influence on the child’s development.

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