Biological Causes Of Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that is caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. It occurs randomly during the formation of the egg and sperm, no behavioral activity of the parents nor environmental mental factors have be linked to cause Down Syndrome, although maternal age is one factor that has been linked to higher rates of incidence (“What is Down Syndrome”, 2017). Down Syndrome can be identified at birth by specific physical characteristics, such as a flattened facial profile, upward slant to the eyes, and low muscle tone (hypotonia). Along with physical characteristics, those with Down Syndrome will also experience a wide variety of birth defects. Half of those born with the syndrome will have a …show more content…
Down Syndrome is one of the most common genetic causes of intellectual disability (Atchison & Dirette, 2017, pg. 57-58). The National Society for Down Syndrome (2017) refers to intellectual disability as “a condition in which a person has certain limitations in intellectual functions like communicating, taking care of him- or herself, and has impaired social skills.” Although the symptoms of Down Syndrome will vary from person to person, some form of mild to moderate intellectual disability will be present. Limitations in cognitive ability cause a child with down syndrome to develop more slowly than a typically aging child. It may take longer for these children to reach key milestones in development, such as walking and talking and the ability to take care of themselves independently (“What is Down Syndrome”, 2017). Cognitive impairment also affects areas of problem solving, thinking and learning. Those with this syndrome are at risk for an array of other health conditions such as hearing loss, hypothyroidism, vision problems, autism, Alzheimer’s