Down Syndrome
By: Grant H
History Behind Down Syndrome
In 1866 a British physician, John Langdon Down, for whom the syndrome is now named, first described Down syndrome, as “Mongolism.” Down syndrome wasn't called “Down syndrome” until the early 1970s. In 1959 French Geneticist Professor Jerome Lejeune discovered that individuals with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome. Later, chromosome studies were developed to confirm the diagnosis of Down syndrome.
The Discoverer
Other Important Researcher
How is Down Syndrome Diagnosed?
Symptoms of Down Syndrome
Developmental: delayed development, learning disability, short stature, or speech delay in a child
Cognitive: intellectual disability or difficulty thinking and understanding
Mouth: abnormally large tongue or displacement of the tongue
Eyes: lazy eye or spots
Also common: bent little finger, congenital heart disease, flaccid muscles, hearing loss, immune deficiency, low-set ears, mouth breathing, obesity, single line on palm, thyroid disease, or vision disorder
Signs of Down Syndrome
Signs of Down syndrome are distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability, and developmental delays.
These Are All Kids With Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is Sex-Linked
How do People Get Down Syndrome
Treatments
Down syndrome is treated by many therapists, some of them are listed below...
Speech therapist: Specializes in voice rehabilitation.
Pediatric ophthalmologist: Treats eye diseases in children.
Occupational therapist: Improves daily living and work skills of patients.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialist: Focuses on the medical management of high-risk pregnancies.
Physical therapist: Restores muscle strength and function through exercise.
Pediatrician: Provides medical care for infants, children, and teenagers.
Medical geneticist: Diagnoses and manages hereditary disorders.
Pediatric cardiologist: Treats heart disorders in children.