What is Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a life-long condition that may cause delays in learning and development.
- Down syndrome cannot be cured but with early intervention and the right support networks your child can flourish.
- Down syndrome occurs when a person’s cells contain an extra chromosome number 21.
- Down syndrome is never anyone’s fault: it just happens
- It has never been linked with foods, actions or pollution and it occurs in all races and religions.
- In New Zealand approximately one in about 1000 is born with Down syndrome: that is one or more babies born every week.
The Features of Down Syndrome
It is important to remember that:
- Each person is unique with different features
- People look like the rest of their family. The Down syndrome accounts for only part of their looks.
- The abilities and achievements of people with Down syndrome are not linked to their appearance.
Common features may include:
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia is the medical term) and flexible joints
- Excess skin on the back of the neck
- Almond shaped eyes
- Small ears
- A single crease across the palm of the hand/s
- A gap between the big toe and the second toe
- The nasal bone may be flatter than usual
