Down Syndrom Essay
The word syndrome means a collection of signs or characteristics. The name Down comes from the doctor, John Langdon Down, who first described the condition in 1866. There are more differences between people with Down's syndrome than there are similarities. They will have many of their families' distinctive characteristics and will therefore resemble their brothers and sisters. As well as these individual characteristics however, they will have physical features shared by others with Down's syndrome. They will also have learning difficulties. This means they have greater difficulty learning than the majority of people the same age. People with the Down's syndrome often look a little different and are in general less able than the population as a whole. Down's syndrome is not a disease, so it is inaccurate to say people suffer from it or that it can be treated. People with Down's syndrome used to be described as mentally handicapped. Mental handicap is associated with demeaning terms such as "mental", "backward", "subnormal" and suggest an old fashioned image of being incapable and dependent. It can lead to confusion with mental illness. For every 1,000 babies born one will have Down's sy
The majority of babies with Down's syndrome are still born to younger women, since the overall birth rate is higher in younger women. The chance of parents of one child with Down's syndrome having a second child with the condition can be greater than that of the general population. Down's syndrome is normally suspected soon after the birth, because a doctor, nurse, or sometimes a parent recognises the characteristic features. Chromosome tests are then carried out to confirm the diagnosis. The features which people look for include: Eyes that slant upwards and outwards. They often have a fold of skin that runs vertically between the two lids at the inner corner of the eye. A head which is rather flat at the back with a hairline that is low and ill defined at the nape of the neck, often with rather loose skin in this area. A face that appears somewhat flat with a flat nasal bridge. A mouth cavity that is slightly smaller than average, and a tongue that is slightly larger. Thus the child's tongue may protrude, a habit that can be stopped with teaching. Hands that are broad, with short fingers, and a little finger that curves inwards. The palm may have only one crease across it. A deep cleft between the first and second toe extending as a long crease on the side of the foot. Reduced muscle tone which results in floppiness (hypotonia). This improves spontaneously as the child gets older. A below average weight and length at birth. It is important to point out that any of these features can occur in people who do not have Down's syndrome. Many people with Down's syndrome enjoy a healthy life, and a lifespan of 40-60 years is not unusual. Certain medical conditions are more common in people with Down's syndrome. 40% have heart problems at birth,
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Approximate Word count = 1189
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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