Brainwave Teen Psychology Feature: Down Syndrome

By Allison Sweeney

Background

We learn that we should treat others with respect in kindergarten. Later, we realize when we should hold empathy for others, especially in difficult or frustrating situations as we are all struggling with something. We are predisposed to have different experiences or ways of life from birth. Down Syndrome (trisomy 21) is a genetic disorder caused by abnormal mutations which give babies an extra chromosome 21. Chromosomes hold our genes that govern functional and physical attributes, including height, hair, and eye color. We receive 23 pairs of chromosomes from our mother and father, so the extra chromosome does not latch on and pair with another. The excess genetic material yields delays in development (KidsHealth).

 

Don’t be mistaken: people with Down Syndrome can live fruitful, happy, and successful lives with the proper support and encouragement like anyone else. The same sentiment applies: don’t treat somebody in a condescending way that discredits or limits their abilities! What’s important is that the proper support and scaffolding are encouraged and available. It is a sign of strength to ask for help no matter who you are.

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Physical Signs

Down Syndrome can manifest physically in various ways. Some signs in children include:
● A flat facial profile
● Slanted eyes
● Small head
● Protruding tongue
● Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
● Relatively short fingers and small hands and feet

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Learning

As Down Syndrome delays the development of the brain relative to peers, individuals with down syndrome have some form of mild to moderate cognitive impairment, slowing language and hindering short and long-term memory recall and application. Given that most children are diagnosed before or at birth, intervention programs can be implemented very early-on to stimulate and encourage practice of motor skills, languages, and fundamentals of communication.

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Risk Factors

Down Syndrome is not generally hereditary, nor can it be prevented. However, there are numerous factors that influence the likelihood of down syndrome in children.
● Women over the age of 35 are significantly more apt to have a child with down syndrome as older
eggs are more apt to mistakes in cellular division
● Men and women can pass on genetic translocation for Down Syndrome (Mayo Clinic)
● Those with a child with Down Syndrome already are more likely to have another

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Summary & Conclusion

Down Syndrome poses a significant challenge to learning and communication, but with ample
support and the same vicarious love given to any child, people with Down Syndrome can thrive. Their
disability doesn’t dictate their whole identity, they are people first. They are what they love to do and are
infused with passion, we must always foster empathy and care within our community to ensure we all feel
accepted and encouraged to explore what excites us.

 

Sources

“Down Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Mar. 2018,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/down-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355977.

“Down syndrome (for parents)” - Nemours KidsHealth, 8 Mar.
2018,https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/down-syndrome.htmlx