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Down syndrome (also known as Down’s syndrome in the United Kingdom and often referred to as “DS” among families of those with Down syndrome) is the most prevalent genetic cause of learning or intellectual disabilities. One in every 800 babies is diagnosed with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is an abnormality of chromosome 21 that results in extra genetic material, and can be caused by three distinct genetic variations. Over 90 percent of Down syndrome cases are caused by Trisomy 21, in which children have three copies of chromosome 21 in all of their cells (instead of the normal two). Children with Mosaic Down syndrome, a rare form of Down syndrome, have three copies of chromosome 21 in some of their cells but the usual two copies in other cells. In children with Translocation Down syndrome, part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome.
Children with Down syndrome can have other health conditions. Half of children with Down syndrome have congenital heart defects, some of which require surgery. People with Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing leukemia in childhood and are more susceptible to pneumonia and other infectious diseases. Later in life, people with Down syndrome are at increased risk of sleep apnea, dementia, and obesity.
Children with Down syndrome can benefit from early intervention programs to help them increase their quality of life and realize their full potential. Early intervention programs are specialized programs for children with Down syndrome that helps to stimulate them in infancy and as young children with motor, sensory, and cognitive activities. Special therapists help children develop their motor skills, self-help skills, social skills, and language skills.
Parents and families of children with Down syndrome can benefit from the help and support of other families impacted by the condition Online support groups allow parents to talk directly with others to share advice, stories, and help. The websites of national and international organizations offer parents information about Down syndrome as well as information on how to educate children with Down syndrome both at home and at school. Many of these organizations also offer advice on transitioning young adults with Down syndrome to living independently. Some national and international organizations offer in-person support and social groups and activities and may match parents to other families in their area.
Organizations
- The Arc: This organization promotes human rights for people with disabilities. The website includes information on Down syndrome, civil rights, employment rights, housing, and long-term care.
- MUMS Parent-to-Parent: This organization matches parents of children with Down syndrome with other parents for support.
- International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association: IMDSA provides support and information for families of children with Mosaic Down syndrome.
- Down Syndrome Social Network: A website dedicated to the family and friends of people with Down syndrome. The site offers resources, information, and support.
- Association for Children with Down Syndrome: ACDS offers services for individuals with Down syndrome, for parents, and for caregivers.
- National Down Syndrome Society: NDSS advocates for the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The NDSS website has information about Down syndrome and about education and healthcare.
- National Down Syndrome Congress: Information for expectant parents, parents of children with Down syndrome, and advocates. The NDSC also provides information on healthcare, schooling, and integration.
- Sibling Support Project: This organization supports the siblings of people with developmental or health conditions.
- Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation: DSRTF provides parents of children with Down syndrome information, research, and online discussion.
- Down Syndrome Research Foundation: DSRF provides information for new parents of children with Down syndrome and in-person programs in British Columbia, Canada.
- Down Syndrome Association of Toronto: This organization supports the parents of children with Down syndrome through new parent education guides, hospital visits, social events, and other group events.
- Canadian Down Syndrome Society: Resources for parents, new parents, and families of people with Down syndrome in Canada.
- Down’s Heart Group: This UK charity provides support and information on heart conditions associated with Down syndrome.
- Down’s Syndrome Association of the UK: Resources for people with Down syndrome and their families in the UK.
Education
- Birth Defect Research for Children: This organization provides information for parents of children with Down syndrome and other conditions. The organization will match parents with other families whose children have the same or similar conditions and links to support groups.
- National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: This organization advocates for children with disabilities. The website includes information on Down syndrome, disability awareness, inclusion, and resources for parents.
- Learning about Down Syndrome: Information about Down syndrome and its diagnosis and treatment.
- Living with Down Syndrome: Basic information on Down syndrome and related medical condition; site also includes information on early intervention and education.
- Caring for a Baby with Down Syndrome: Information for new parents of a child with Down syndrome.
- Resources for Parents: Answers to parents’ questions about parenting a child with Down syndrome; includes information on parenting newborns to young adults transitioning to living on their own.
Inclusion
- Making Inclusion Work: An article on best practices for the inclusive education of children with Down syndrome.
- Council of Exceptional Children: This organization advocates for children with special needs.
- Goodwill Industries: Goodwill Industries works with people with disabilities to help them find and keep jobs and increase their independence.
- Education: Educational resources and inclusion for people with disabilities.
- Inclusion Solutions: Resources for parents and educators on inclusion.
- School inclusion: Inclusion information for children from preschool to high school.
Healthcare
- Health Issues Associated with Down Syndrome: Articles by healthcare professionals on health issues associated with Down Syndrome, such as celiac disease, blood disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, epilepsy, and dermatologic disorders.
- Healthcare Information for Expectant Moms: Information on Down syndrome for expectant parents.
- Down Syndrome Overview: Medical information about Down Syndrome.
Personal Stories
- Postnatal Stories: Personal stories of parents of children with Down syndrome.
- Stories and Poems: Stories and poems by people affected by Down syndrome.
- Prenatal Stories: The stories of parents who received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
- Down Syndrome Online Support: An online support group for parents of children with Down syndrome.
- Bulletin Boards: Parent to Parent bulletin boards for parents of children with Down syndrome. Includes bulletin boards on education and medical issues.
- Disability Experiences: Parents and caregivers share their experiences of caring for and loving children with disabilities.
- Support for Special Needs: Forums and resources for parents and siblings of children with disabilities.
- Down Syndrome Listserv: A listserv of people affected by Down syndrome.
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