Specialist Web Sites

 Down's Heart Group

A UK charity offering support and information relating to heart conditions associated with Down's Syndrome. Large site with information for parents and professionals alike.
 Down's Syndrome Association

The Down's Syndrome Association is a UK charity concerned solely with the support of people with Down's syndrome and their families. Their website provides a wealth of information on all aspects of Down's Syndrome.
 DS Medical Interest Group

This site provides essential information for healthcare professionals on 'best practice' medical care for people with Down's syndrome in the UK and Ireland.

 Mosaic Down Syndrome on the Web.

International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association (IMDSA) aims to provide support, information and research to any family, individual or professional affected by mosaic Down syndrome.

 National Down Syndrome Society

Large US Charity which provides advocacy, support and information to people with Down's Syndrome and their families. Volumes of useful and free information is available.
 NICE Evidence Search

Research and guidance review from NICE
 The Down Syndrome Educational Trust

The Down Syndrome Educational Trust is a registered charity, based in the UK, and a recognised leader in scientific research into the development and education of individuals with Down syndrome

Down's Syndrome

Wikipedia Extract : View Full Article

Down syndrome (Down's Syndrome, DS or DNS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21.

It is typically associated with physical growth delays, characteristic facial features, and mild to moderate intellectual disability. The average IQ of a young adult with Down syndrome is 50, equivalent to the mental ability of an 8- or 9-year-old child, but this can vary widely.

The parents of the affected individual are typically genetically normal. The extra chromosome occurs by chance. The probability increases from less than 0.1% in 20-year-old mothers to 3% in those age 45. There is no known behavioral activity or environmental factor that changes the probability.

Down syndrome can be identified during pregnancy by prenatal screening followed by diagnostic testing or after birth by direct observation and genetic testing. Since the introduction of screening, pregnancies with the diagnosis are often terminated. Regular screening for health problems common in Down syndrome is recommended throughout the person's life.

There is no cure for Down syndrome. Education and proper care have been shown to improve quality of life. Some children with Down syndrome are educated in typical school classes, while others require more specialized education. Some individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school, and a few attend post-secondary education.

In adulthood, about 20% in the United States do paid work in some capacity, with many requiring a sheltered work environment. Support in financial and legal matters is often needed. Life expectancy is around 50 to 60 years in the developed world with proper health care.

Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosome abnormalities in humans. It occurs in about one per 1,000 babies born each year.

In 2015, Down syndrome was present in 5.4 million individuals and resulted in 27,000 deaths, down from 43,000 deaths in 1990.

It is named after John Langdon Down, a British doctor who fully described the syndrome in 1866.