Down syndrome, also called Trisomy21 is a genetic disorder that occurs approximately in one in 700 infants. For most of modern history, Down syndrome has been mentioned in art, literature, and history. In the late 19th century however, John Down published a paper on the specifics of down syndrome, and the syndrome was eventually named after him.
Down syndrome occurs when the 21nd chromosome is partially or fully copied, making individuals with the disorder develop differently. Some symptoms include eyes slanting upward, a shorter neck, small eyes mouth nose and ears, and flattened facial features.
Statistically, the percentage of babies born with Down syndrome skew to older mothers, but obviously more babies are born to younger mothers due to the number of births around the world at this age group. This type of thing happens all the time, producing false facts, like you could say more babies with Down syndrome are born to younger mothers, and although this is factual, the actual PERCENTAGE of babies born to mothers skew older.
There are two main tests to see if a pregnant mother has a child with Down syndrome – A screening and diagnostic test. The former can tell how high the percentage chance of having a baby with down syndrome, and the latter, or the diagnostic check, can detect whether or not the child will have Down syndrome.
At first glance, the screening check looks drastically inferior, but this check will put the unborn child and mother at less risk than the diagnostic check. So my guess, families are going to take a HARD left and go with the screening test. To be fair, these tests were created and optimized because we are impatient, and if a more accurate product of that impatience puts the mother and child at risk, what’s the use? My view is the health of the mother and child should be the top priority.
How to treat people with Down syndrome – Differences are what make humans, well, humans. The world is essentially our net differences. Would you like to live in a society where everyone is the same? The core reason to be alive and optimistic is to make another life better and if everyone passed kindness forward, society and equality would be that much further. I just think the best way to treat all people is with respect and empathy – see where they are coming from and try to help accordingly. The best way to make yourself and someone else happy and content is to help when help is needed 😊.
Learning Medicine 