Understanding Down’s Syndrome

How much do you know about Down’s Syndrome?

This month is Down’s syndrome awareness month and to bring some attention to the condition, here are facts and stats you may not know!

What is Down’s Syndrome?

Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Named after Dr. John Langdon Down, who first described it in 1886, it affects about 1 in 1,000 babies worldwide.

It occurs randomly at conception, affecting both sexes equally, and is rarely inherited or caused by anything parents do.

It is a lifelong condition with no cure, however every person with Down’s syndrome can lead fulfilling lives and achieve their goals.

What is it like to have Down’s Syndrome?

People who have Down’s syndrome have some level of learning disability, ranging from those who are more independent and able to get a job to others who require regular care.

Use of terminology

When speaking about Down’s syndrome, consider the table below sharing, how to use the terminology factually accurately and inoffensively.

In the UK…

• Approximately 700 babies a year are born with Down’s syndrome

• An estimated 41,700 people live with Down’s Syndrome

• The proportion of women having a termination after a prenatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome has decreased from 92% in 1989-2010 to 90% in 2011-2013
• Many children with Down’s syndrome attend mainstream school and many adults can live independently and hold down jobs

Are there different types of Down’s syndrome?

There are three types of Down syndrome:

• Trisomy 21 (95% of people with DS): an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present in every cell
• Translocation (3-5% of people with DS): an extra copy of part or all of chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome
• Mosaic (1-2 % of people with DS): some cells have an extra copy of chromosome 21, so have 47 chromosomes, while other cells have the usual 46 chromosomes.

Every person with Down syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome 21 in some or all of their cells.

Down’s Syndrome Association – https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/

Down’s Syndrome Scotland – https://dsscotland.org.uk/

Down Syndrome Ireland – https://downsyndrome.ie/