Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality, occurring once in approximately every 733 live births. Over 350,000 people in the United States alone have Down syndrome.

--Quoted from NDSS Web site (www.ndss.org)

What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is one of the most common birth defects. Usually, children born with the condition have some degree of mental retardation, as well as characteristic physical features. Many of these children also have other health problems.

Each year in the United States, approximately one in every 800 to 1,000 newborns has Down syndrome. This translates to approximately 5,000 children. In the United States today, Down syndrome affects approximately 350,000 people. The life expectancy for a child born today with Down syndrome is approximately 55 years.

The most common form of Down syndrome is often called "trisomy 21" because individuals with this condition have three copies of the 21st chromosome.

What Causes It?

Normally, each cell in the human body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, which contain the genetic material that determines all our inherited characteristics. We receive half of each chromosome pair from our mother and the other half from our father. Individuals with the most common form of Down syndrome, trisomy 21, have an extra 21st chromosome.

No one knows exactly why this chromosomal error occurs, but it does appear to be related to the age of the mother. At age 25, a woman has a one in 1,250 risk for having a child with Down syndrome. The risk increases to one in 952 at age 30, to one in 378 at 35, and to one in 106 at age 40. However, 80% of children born with Down syndrome are born to mothers under the age of 35. This is because most babies, in general, are born to younger women.

--Quoted from WebMD (www.webmd.com)

 

This site was created to bring families together with other families of children with down syndrome. Their are many great sites that already describe the medical aspects of Down Syndrome. Please visit our link page for references to these sites.

Help my Child has been
diagnosed with Down Syndrome!

First, don't panic. You are probably feeling happy about the birth of your child but at the same time a great deal of sadness. This sadness will fade and you will start to realize how much your child is like well, a child. It will be hard at first but over time is does get easier.

As you start to reading about down syndrome remember that your child may or may not have all the medical problems that come along with the disability. As with every 'normal' child, each child with down syndrome is different.

In your research you will learn that there are lot of families that are in the same boat.

Be sure the materials you are reading are up to date. There have been many technological advances in the past few years.

Please look to our resource page for web sites containing valuable information about down syndrome.

Tips from Parents:

Get involved with a locate group. Talk with other parents about what you are going through. They have been through it and can help guide you. If you are in the Plainfield, IL area, come to one of our meetings

Relatives:
Not sure what to tell your family members who recently found out their child has down syndrome?
First never say your are sorry or anything negative. Let them know you will love their child just like any other. Tell them how beautiful their child is and what a blessing it is to have a wonderful baby.