What it is. Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder in which the genetic material causes an abnormal development of children and often leads to mental retardation. Occurs in 1 in 800 newborns

Symptoms. Flat facial profile Distance between eyes is higher than normal Small ears Single crease across the palm Tongue is larger than normal White spots on the iris of the eye Poor muscle tone, loose ligaments Small hands and feet

What it looks like.

What population does it affect? Down syndrome is one of the most common genetic birth defects. It affects about 1 in every 800(about 3400) babies a year in the United States. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, there are more than 400,000 individuals with down syndrome in the United States.

How age of mother impacts: The incidence gradually rises with age of mother: age 20: 1 in 2,000 births age 30: 1 in 900 births age 49 it has reached to every 1 in 10.

What is the cause? Down Syndrome is an error that occurs during or at conception and is not related to anything the mother did during pregnancy. 80% of children with down syndrome are born to women over 35 years of age. Older women are more likely to have a baby with down syndrome because they produce an ever larger proportion of eggs with an extra chromosome.

When is it Diagnosed? Diagnosed in one of two ways. –During Pregnancy –Shortly after Birth

How is it Diagnosed? Diagnostic testing: –Amniocentesis –Chorionic villus sampling (cvs)

Can it be treated? As of now there is no cure for down syndrome. All you can do is go to physical therapy and speech therapy to help them develop more normal.

Is there any way to prevent Down Syndrome? There is no way to prevent down syndrome. The only way to avoid higher risk is to not get pregnant after the age of 35.

Are there any groups supporting Down Syndrome? Friendship Circle –Programs/volunteers –Schools/village –Families –Friendship house/anti-bullying March of Dimes