'Kids Like These' - DOWN'S SYNDROME / 'If I Were a Boy' - Beyonce Knowles - Music

'Kids Like These' - DOWN'S SYNDROME

What is it?

Down's syndrome (also called Down syndrome) is a genetic condition known as trisomy, where a person inherits an extra copy of one chromosome. People with the syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21 rather than two.

This additional genetic material changes the finely tuned balance of the body and results in characteristic physical and intellectual features.

It's not known why this abnormality occurs, but it affects around one in 1,000 babies born in the UK - about 750 babies a year - and is the most common cause of learning disability.

Different types

There are three types of Down's syndrome:

Regular trisomy 21 - all the cells have an extra chromosome 21. Around 94 per cent of people with Down's syndrome have this type.

Translocation - the extra chromosome 21 material is attached to another chromosome and one of the parents may carry the translocated chromosome without any signs of the condition themselves. This accounts for around 4 per cent of cases.

Mosaic - only some of the cells have an extra chromosome 21. Around two per cent of people with Down's have this type, which tends to result in milder features.

What are the symptoms?

People with Down's syndrome tend to look different they typically have a flat facial profile and eyes that slant upwards. Other facial features include smaller ears, a flat back of the head and protruding tongue.

People with the syndrome also tend to be shorter than average with poor muscle tone and have short, broad hands with a single crease across the palm.

Almost half of people affected have heart defects, some of which can be treated, some of which can't. Many also have gut problems, which can make eating difficult and increases the risk of problems such as constipation and disorders of the thyroid gland.

Other physical problems include cataracts, hearing and sight problems, and a susceptibility to infections. Later in life there's also an increased risk of leukaemia and Alzheimers dementia.

People with Down's syndrome have varying degrees of learning disability, which may range from moderate to severe. Autistic spectrum disorders are also more common.

What's the treatment?

There's no cure, but treatment of any accompanying health problems and support for learning difficulties allows many people with the syndrome to lead relatively normal and semi-independent lives. Others, however, need full-time care. Many people with the condition live well into adulthood, with an average life expectancy of around 60 years.

Physiotherapy, speech therapy and special educational programmes have an important role to play, while specific medical conditions associated with the syndrome are treated as appropriate.

Who's affected?

The chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome increases with the age of the mother, especially over the age of 35. But as the majority of women have their children when they're younger, most Down's babies are born to younger parents.

Having a child with Down's syndrome is more likely if a woman already has a child with the syndrome, or if a close family member has had an affected child. But most cases are sporadic (the parents aren't affected) and the risk of recurrence in further pregnancies is very small.

Down's syndrome affects people from all ethnic groups and cultures.

Advice and support

Down's Syndrome Association
Tel: 0845 230 0372
Website: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

Down's Syndrome Scotland
Tel: 0131 313 4225
Website: www.dsscotland.org.uk

Down Syndrome Educational Trust
Tel: 023 9285 5330
Website: www.downsed.org


'even Toddlers Need Fathers'

COMMENTS

"I am very grateful to all those, like yourself who have written and particularly where you have been able to demonstrate your own thinking from the experiences you have had. Congratulations on your battle".
Former Home Secretary and father DAVID BLUNKETT, 22 March 2005

"It was thoughtful of you to enclose a copy of your book 'even Toddlers Need Fathers' and HER MAJESTY has noted your concerns".
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, 26 July 2006

"The PRIME MINISTER has asked me to thank you for your recent letter and enclosure. The Prime Minister does not issue photographs of his children and therefore has to decline your request. He has however asked me to pass on his best wishes".
1O DOWNING STREET, 8 March 2001

Website: http://www.eventoddlersneedfathers.com

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Down's
• Syndrome
• Beyonce
• Knowles
• If
• Were
• Boy

[bro1945]

Having taught DS kids in school...I can say that many times the parents are the problem...not the kids

[evenToddlers]

Thank you for this comment.

[jordon1954]

I totaly agree with you. Being a father & again soon with another child we came aware that he has Trisomy 9 Mosaic. Doctors said to abort a mth ago, due to quality of life. He's due in 6wks. What quality of life means is that no matter what problems your child has you as a parent have a role in their life. No matter what their needs are. Being selfish & not wanting the problems of any child is something that sadens me, its a shame many people think that. I for one am proud to have him in my life

[rddaos]

@cassiesmum

yes either an extra chromosome or an extra partial chromosome.

[evenToddlers]

Down's syndrome (also called Down syndrome) is a genetic condition known as trisomy, where a person inherits an extra copy of one chromosome. People with the syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21 rather than two.

[evenToddlers]

Down's syndrome (also called Down syndrome) is a genetic condition known as trisomy, where a person inherits an extra copy of one chromosome. People with the syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21 rather than two.

[cassiesmum]

@rddaos Its an extra chromosome isnt it...the 21st one.

[travelingduck5]

@pshyeah1128 it's caused by an extra an extra chromosome 21 not a loss or gain of a gene. genes and chromosomes are different

[jimsvideos]

Does anyone know what happen to the movie "kids like these" it was on youtube.

I wanted to share it with others :(

[rddaos]

@pshyeah1128

Down syndrome is NOT caused by an extra gene, nor is it caused by lack of a gene, shit for brains. Next time read before embarrassing yourself.

[pshyeah1128]

@rddaos, it is, fuck head, its caused by an extra gene, or one less gene, dumb prick, thats why they dont get the love they need(NO OFFENCE)

[rddaos]

@pshyeah1128

down syndrome is not caused by a gene, dummy.