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7 things you should know about Down syndrome

About 1 in every 700 babies in the US is born with this chromosomal disorder every year.

two sisters with down syndrome
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Every year, nearly 6,000 new babies are diagnosed with Down syndrome, the most common type of chromosomal disorder. And although it can cause many developmental challenges, life expectancy for people with the condition has leapt from 25 years old in 1983 to 60 today.

What is Down syndrome? Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes, or “packages” of genes. In the mostShow More

pregnant woman getting blood test
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Pregnant women have screening options

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now suggests all pregnant women be given the option of Down syndrome screening tests in addition to a more invasive diagnostic test; screening tests determine the odds of having the condition, while diagnostic tests actually detect it. All testingShow More

doctor listening to pregnant woman's baby
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There are diagnostic testing options, too

Diagnostic tests are 99 percent effective in identifying Down syndrome and other chromosomal irregularities, but they pose the risk of miscarriage and additional complications, since procedures are done inside the uterus. Some couples opt for these tests if they have a family history of geneticShow More

pregnant woman staring down at baby bump
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Lifestyle changes will not lower the risk of Down syndrome

Because Down syndrome is a genetic condition, it cannot be prevented. Babies with Down syndrome get an extra chromosome 21 at conception.

Experts don’t know why this duplication occurs. However, scientists have found that women who have a baby when they are 35 or older may have an increased risk.Show More

woman using tablet with child who has down syndrome
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Certain features are characteristic to Downs

Every child with Down syndrome develops and progresses differently, but there are certain traits common to all. Those with the condition tend to have a lower IQ than those who don’t have it, and their speech development may be slowed, as well.

Certain physical characteristics are also very commonShow More

chromosomes
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There are different types of Down syndrome

Despite similarities between people with Down syndrome, there are different types of the condition. Trisomy 21 is by far the most common, affecting around 95 percent of those with Down syndrome. It means they have three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the typical two.

Other types includeShow More

nurse adjusting patient's hearing aid
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There’s an increased risk of other conditions

Although not all people with Down syndrome have other health conditions, it does increase the risk of certain medical problems. Hearing loss is extremely common—up to 80 percent of children with Down syndrome will experience some type of auditory problem, which can contribute to speech, developmentShow More

young mother spending time with special needs child
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A diagnosis can make a family stronger

Though Down syndrome is a serious condition, many families find having a loved one with the disorder brings them closer together in ways they'd never imagined.

One comprehensive study reviewed surveys from nearly 2,000 parents or guardians of children with Down syndrome, 761 siblings of people withShow More

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