Intellectual Disabilities: Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is an intellectual disability where the individual has an extra chromosome. This extra material has tremendous impacts on the behavioral and physical characteristics of the person.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this medical condition is the most prevalent chromosomal condition in the United States of America and the world at large. Every year, one out of 700 babies is born with Down syndrome.
Following the study conducted by Adeyokunnu (1982) in Ibadan, Nigeria, there is a high prevalence of Down syndrome. The results of that study showed 1 in 863 babies being born with the condition during that period.
Like other disabilities, Down Syndrome is not a death sentence. People living with this condition can still lead fulfilling lives under the right conditions. As we progress, we will examine the fundamental aspects of this condition, the challenges it might pose, and the way forward.Genetically, What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome occurs when there is an extra (partial or whole) copy of chromosome 21. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, making it 46 individual chromosomes. But, a person living with Downs has 47. This additional chromosome affects the individual’s looks and intellectual and behavioral capacity.
While most characteristic features of Down Syndrome vary between individuals, some are generic and serve for the initial diagnosis of the disease. For example, most people with Down Syndrome have a shorter stature and poor musculature. Other characteristics include:
A flattened face and nose bridge
Almond-shaped eyes slanted upwards
A small head and ears
A protruding tongue.
Small hands with single palm crease.
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