What are the characteristics of Down syndrome?

Dr.Meena , 2 mins read

What are the characteristics of Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects almost one in 700 newborns. It occurs when a baby is born with an extra copy of the chromosome.

Chromosomes are thread-like structures in the cell. They contain DNA and proteins organised into genes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes that pass down from generation to generation.

Individuals with Down syndrome have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes a variety of physical and developmental characteristics. Here are five common characteristics of Down syndrome:

Intellectual disability:
People with Down syndrome usually have an IQ or intellectual level at a mild to moderate range. They experience development delays and struggle with slow learning, judgements and complex reasoning.

Physical features:
These features may include:

• Round and flat facial profile
• Small ears, nose and mouth
• Almond-shaped eyes
• Large protruding tongue
• Short stubby fingers
• Pinky fingers that curve inward
• A single crease across the palm
• Small feet and larger space between the big and second toes
• Shorter stature
• Higher risk of certain medical conditions, such as heart defects and hearing loss
• White flakes in the coloured part of the eyes

Developmental delays:
They usually achieve their developmental milestones like sitting up, crawling, and walking at a slower pace than their peers. They also have delays in speech and language development.

Low muscle tone:
They often move awkwardly due to low muscle tone. This can interfere with their strength, coordination and physical development. This can make tasks like walking, running, and fine motor skills more challenging for them.

Social and emotional characteristics:
People with Down syndrome often experience problems in social interaction and communication. They may struggle with understanding social cues, expressing their emotions, and forming relationships with others.

However, even with these challenges, people with Down syndrome can live a fulfilling life. With an inclusive environment, supportive services, early intervention and continuous care, they can thrive and reach their full potential.