Trisomy 21
__Down Syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disabilities.
"Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, is a chromosomal disorder that results from genetic changes on chromosome 21. Down syndrome is encountered in all racial and ethnic groups, and becomes more prevalent with advanced paternal and maternal age." (Down Syndrome)
"Down Syndrome affects almost every organ system and can cause a number of cognitive and physical impairments, including hearing and visual deficits, congenital heart defects, autism, depression, celiac disease, and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease." (Pinto, S., & Schub, T. 2011)
"Down syndrome, also called Trisomy 21, is a chromosomal disorder that results from genetic changes on chromosome 21. Down syndrome is encountered in all racial and ethnic groups, and becomes more prevalent with advanced paternal and maternal age." (Down Syndrome)
"Down Syndrome affects almost every organ system and can cause a number of cognitive and physical impairments, including hearing and visual deficits, congenital heart defects, autism, depression, celiac disease, and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease." (Pinto, S., & Schub, T. 2011)
Common Characteristics of Down Syndrome
- _Mild to Severe Intellectual Disability
- Poor Coordination
- Low Tone
- Tendency to keep mouth open with protrusion of tongue
- Upwardly slanting eyelid folds
- Hearing impairments
- Unusually small ears
- Dental abnormalities and a narrow palate
- Short stature, arms, legs and fingers
- Relatively flat facial profile
- Visual impairments