Just the Facts {31 for 21}

I can take absolutely no credit for this post.  The facts came directly from the DSG.  And the pictures came directly from the website of a photographer I've been following since Reese's birth.  Her name is Conny Wenk & her beautiful daughter, Juliana (the brunette in the following pics), also has designer genes.  Please visit her website if you have a moment - you won't be disappointed. 

 

Anyway, do I know any of the following girls?  No.  But does it warm my heart when I see how "normal" their lives appear?  Yes.  I don't think anyone can deny the joy & beauty exuding from these photos.  Thank you, Conny, for documenting this beauty for all the world to see.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.
 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

* There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development & causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

*The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother.  But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

*People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart disease, respiratory & hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, & thyroid conditions.  Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

*People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first.  Instead of "a Down Syndrome child," it should be "a child with Down syndrome."  Also avoid "Down's child" & describing the condition as "Down's," as in, "He has Down's." (more about this in future post)

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

*Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease.  You are born with & will have it throughout your life.  People "have" Down syndrome, they do not "suffer from" it and are not "afflicted by" it.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*A few common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, & a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual & may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*Down syndrome affects people of all races & economic levels.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate & is not indicative of the many strengths & talents that each individual possesses.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, & contribute to society in many ways.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

Researchers are making great strides in identifying the genes on Chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome.  Many feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future. (more about this in future post)

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

While Down syndrome is listed in many dictionaries with both popular spellings, Down or Down's, (with or without an apostrophe s), the preferred usage in the US is Down syndrome.  This is because an "apostrophe s" connotes ownership or possession.  Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition, but did not have it.  The Associated Press Stylebook recommends using "Down syndrome" as well.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care & positive support from family, friends & the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential & lead fulfilling lives.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*Of all children born in this country annually, approximately 5,000 will have Down syndrome.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*There are 3 types of Down syndrome - the most common (about 95% of cases) is nondisjunction which is a 3rd copy of the chromosome in every cell.

Mosaicism (about 1-2%) happens when only some of the cells have the extra 3rd copy.

Translocation (about 2-3%) happens when the long arm of chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome.

 

Photo courtesy of Conny Wenk

 

*Down syndrome rocks!!!  (Reagan wanted me to include that)