Down Syndrome is recognized by means of a karyotype check that detects the presence of an additional chromosome 21 |File Picture
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World Down Syndrome Day is noticed as an effort to convey consideration to Down Syndrome. The theme this 12 months is ‘all about help’. Between 20-22 March, there can be a variety of occasions on the United Nations in Geneva to mark World Down Syndrome Day, and most cities have occasions to mark the day too.
Everybody wants help generally. The help that we might have can be totally different for each particular person, and that’s simply the identical for folks with Down Syndrome.
It’s a genetic situation brought on by the presence of an additional copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic materials impacts bodily and cognitive growth, resulting in attribute options and ranging levels of mental incapacity. It’s the most typical chromosomal situation on this planet that happens in roughly 1 in each 800 stay births. There are nearly 30000 folks born with Down Syndrome in India, and it’s unrelated to race, nationality, faith, or socio-economic standing.
Nothing {that a} guardian did or didn’t do throughout the being pregnant causes a child to be born with Down Syndrome. Whereas the age of the mom could be a issue, 80% of individuals with Down Syndrome are born to folks underneath the age of 35, just because ladies in that age group have probably the most infants. It happens equally amongst male or feminine infants. Folks with Down Syndrome, like any other person carry more traits of their birth family than the traits of Down Syndrome.
An individual with Down Syndrome can’t be known as a “downs child” or a “down syndrome particular person.” She or he is “an individual with Down Syndrome.”
How is Down Syndrome recognized?
It may be recognized by means of prenatal screening and diagnostic exams. Blood exams and ultrasounds throughout being pregnant can point out the chance of Down Syndrome. Confirmatory exams like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) present a definitive analysis.
Observing the bodily traits at delivery, newborns with Down Syndrome might have distinct options akin to a flat facial profile, upward-slanting eyes, a single crease throughout the palm, and low muscle tone. Utilizing genetic testing to detect Down Syndrome can also be changing into widespread nowadays, a karyotype check confirms the presence of an additional twenty first chromosome.
Related well being situations
People with Down Syndrome might have sure well being situations, together with, coronary heart defects, listening to and imaginative and prescient Points. Resulting from their low muscle tone, hypothyroidism is widespread amongst folks with Down syndrome. Some folks with Down Syndrome may additionally have digestive points, together with celiac illness. A weak immune system makes them extra liable to infections. However due to medical advances persons with Down syndrome are leading longer, healthier lives today.
There are developmental and cognitive delays too. Whereas it’s true that mental skills differ, early intervention and therapies assist individuals achieve their full potential. Right this moment, we now have individuals with Down syndrome who’re artists, actors, lecturers and staff throughout varied fields. Down syndrome is not a taboo.
Dr. Surekha Ramachandran is president, Down Syndrome Federation of India. data@downsyndrome.in
Printed – March 20, 2025 07:22 pm IST
