Down Syndrome (also
called Trisomy 21) is a genetic condition that happens when a person is born
with an extra copy of chromosome 21.
This extra chromosome affects the way the body and brain develop.
People with Down
Syndrome may:
- Have mild to moderate learning
disabilities,
- Reach milestones (like walking and
talking) more slowly,
- Have some distinct facial features
(such as almond-shaped eyes and a flat nose bridge),
- Be more likely to have heart
problems, hearing loss, or thyroid conditions,
- Often have warm, caring
personalities and strong social understanding.
Everyone with Down
Syndrome is unique — their abilities and needs vary just like anyone else’s.
With the right health
care, education, early support, and inclusion, people with Down Syndrome can
lead happy, fulfilling lives, go to school and college, work, and take part in
their communities.
Support may include:
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Inclusive learning environments
- Health checks and community support
groups
🌈 Easy Read Summary –
Down Syndrome
💛 Down Syndrome
(Trisomy 21)
- People are born with one extra
chromosome.
- This can make learning and talking
take longer.
- People may have some health needs.
- Everyone is different and special.
With
the right help, people with Down Syndrome can 💛 What Is Down Syndrome?
Down Syndrome (also
called Trisomy 21) is a genetic condition that happens when a person is born
with an extra copy of chromosome 21.
This extra chromosome changes how the body and brain develop before birth.
It is one of the most common chromosomal differences, affecting around 1 in
every 700 babies.
🧬 What Causes Down
Syndrome?
Down Syndrome is not
caused by anything the parents did or didn’t do.
It happens by chance when cells divide differently during early development.
There are three main types of Down Syndrome:
1.
Trisomy 21 – the most common, where every cell has an extra
chromosome 21.
2.
Translocation – part of chromosome 21 attaches to another
chromosome.
3.
Mosaicism – only some cells have the extra chromosome, often
leading to milder effects.
🌼 Common Features and
Strengths
People with Down
Syndrome may share some physical features, such as:
- Almond-shaped eyes
- A small nose and flat nasal bridge
- A single crease across the palm of
the hand
- Shorter height and smaller hands
and feet
However, every person
is different — no two people with Down Syndrome are the same.
Many have strong social and emotional awareness, a great sense of humour, and
enjoy learning and taking part in community life.
💬 Learning and
Development
Children with Down
Syndrome usually have mild to moderate learning disabilities.
They may:
- Learn to sit, walk, or talk later
than others
- Need more time to learn new skills
- Benefit from clear structure,
repetition, and visual learning
- Respond well to encouragement and
positive communication
Many people go on to
attend mainstream schools, colleges, and workplaces.
- live happy, full lives.
💛 What Is Down
Syndrome?
Down Syndrome (also
called Trisomy 21) is a genetic condition that happens when a person is born
with an extra copy of chromosome 21.
This extra chromosome changes how the body and brain develop before birth.
It is one of the most common chromosomal differences, affecting around 1 in
every 700 babies.
🧬 What Causes Down
Syndrome?
Down Syndrome is not
caused by anything the parents did or didn’t do.
It happens by chance when cells divide differently during early development.
There are three main types of Down Syndrome:
1.
Trisomy 21 – the most common, where every cell has an extra
chromosome 21.
2.
Translocation – part of chromosome 21 attaches to another
chromosome.
3.
Mosaicism – only some cells have the extra chromosome, often
leading to milder effects.
🌼 Common Features and
Strengths
People with Down
Syndrome may share some physical features, such as:
- Almond-shaped eyes
- A small nose and flat nasal bridge
- A single crease across the palm of
the hand
- Shorter height and smaller hands
and feet
However, every person
is different — no two people with Down Syndrome are the same.
Many have strong social and emotional awareness, a great sense of humour, and
enjoy learning and taking part in community life.
💬 Learning and
Development
Children with Down
Syndrome usually have mild to moderate learning disabilities.
They may:
- Learn to sit, walk, or talk later
than others
- Need more time to learn new skills
- Benefit from clear structure,
repetition, and visual learning
- Respond well to encouragement and
positive communication
Many people go on to
attend mainstream schools, colleges, and workplaces.
🩺 Health and Support
Needs
Some people with Down
Syndrome may have health conditions, such as:
- Heart problems (especially early in
life)
- Hearing or vision difficulties
- Thyroid issues
- Low muscle tone (making movement
slower)
Regular check-ups,
early interventions, and therapies help manage these challenges.
Support may include:
- Speech and language therapy
- Physiotherapy and occupational
therapy
- Health monitoring and medical care
- Educational support and inclusion
planning
🌈 Living with Down
Syndrome
People with Down
Syndrome live longer, healthier, and more independent lives today than ever
before.
With the right support, many:
- Study and work
- Live independently or with minimal
support
- Have strong friendships and
relationships
- Take part in sports, art,
volunteering, and advocacy
There are many
organisations that offer help and information, including:
- Down’s Syndrome Association (UK) –
www.downs-syndrome.org.uk
- National Down Syndrome Society (US)
– www.ndss.org
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