What is Down syndrome?

Answer 1

Down syndrome is a life-long genetic condition that causes certain physical characteristics and delays in learning and development. In the majority of cases, Down syndrome occurs because of a spontaneous occurrence at around the time of conception that results in the baby having an extra copy of Chromosome 21 in every cell in their body.

In most cases, Down syndrome is not inherited. The reason for Down syndrome is unknown. It can happen to anyone.

People with the syndrome will have a degree of learning difficulty. This means that it takes longer to process information and to learn new skills, and that tasks and learning may need to be broken down into smaller steps.

If someone has learning difficulties, it means that they may not learn things as quickly as other people and they may need more help and support to learn. With the right kind of help, however, many people can acquire practical and social skills even if this takes them longer than usual. Most people with Down syndrome will walk and talk; and many will read and write, go to ordinary schools, and lead fulfilling, semi-independent lives with some support.

Myths about Down syndrome put straight

• People with Down syndrome cannot achieve life goals: The vast majority of people with Down syndrome learn to walk and talk, and many are attending mainstream schools, passing GCSE's and living full, semi-independent adult lives.
• People with Down syndrome all look the same:

  Certain physical characteristics are similar. But someone with Down syndrome will always look more like his or her close family than someone else with the condition.

• People with Down syndrome are always happy and affectionate:

  People with Down syndrome are no different to anyone else in their character traits and varying moods.

Answer 2

No. But males are more likely to have this disorder.