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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to learn about a condition that about 6,000 babies are born with each year in the U.S.
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the U.S., occurring in about one in 700 babies and in people of all races and economic levels. Usually, babies are born with 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. Those with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, which impacts how their bodies and brains develop.
There are three types of Down syndrome:
- Trisomy 21 — each cell has three copies of chromosome 21. Most people have this type.
- Translocation Down syndrome — an extra whole or extra part of chromosome 21 is present, but it’s attached to a different chromosome. This occurs in about 3% of people with Down syndrome.
- Mosaic Down syndrome — cells have a combination of the above two conditions. This affects about 2% of those with Down syndrome.
People with Down syndrome have a higher risk for respiratory and hearing problems, eye issues, and thyroid and other medical conditions. Complications at birth, such as very low birth weight and heart defects, can lead to death within the first year. Approximately 50% of children born with Down syndrome have congenital heart defects, but many of these conditions are now treatable.
People with Down syndrome have different ability levels and may meet milestones later in life than what’s considered typical. But developmental delays do not mean they’re unable to thrive.
“Children with Down syndrome are very similar to typically developing children,” said Dana McGrath, director of Early Childhood Intervention. “They have many strengths, but due to the existence of extra chromosomes, they do experience developmental delays. Enrolling in early intervention services designed around their individual strengths and specific needs as soon as possible is best as it can make a huge difference in a child’s developmental trajectory.”
Getting services to children with Down syndrome early is key to helping them develop to their fullest potential. This can include speech, occupational and physical therapy, and other developmental services. Through HHS, families can reach out to HHSC Early Childhood Intervention Services and DSHS Healthy Texas Babies programs and read the DSHS Information About Down Syndrome for New and Expecting Parents brochure.
To learn more about Down syndrome, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Facts about Down Syndrome webpage and the DSHS Down Syndrome webpage.