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DS Network
480-759-9150 • dsnetworkaz.org
A supportive and collaborative network that connects individuals and families, provides resources and information and promotes greater general understanding of Down syndrome. Hosts several events throughout the year.

GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers
9160 E Shea Blvd #103B, Scottsdale
480-451-7529 • gigisplayhouse.org
Free customized educational and therapeutic programs for those with Down syndrome, from birth through adulthood.

Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona
480-926-6500 • sharingds.org
Provides free New Parent Gift Packages that include books, DVDs and CDs about Down syndrome. Lending library, parent support groups, playgroups, newsletter, Angel Baby adoption information and social events.

Websites:
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/downsyndrome/

http://cdss.ca/family-support/

https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/resources/local-organizations/

https://www.meriahnichols.com/book-resources-for-parents-of-people-with-down-syndrome/

http://downsyndromeinfo.org/resources/parents/

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Physical:

Decreased or poor muscle tone

Short neck, with excess skin at the back of the neck

Flattened facial profile and nose

Small head, ears, and mouth

Upward slanting eyes, often with a skin fold that comes out from the upper eyelid and covers the inner corner of the eye

White spots on the colored part of the eye (called Brushfield spots)

Wide, short hands with short fingers

A single, deep, crease across the palm of the hand

A deep groove between the first and second toes

Mental:

Short attention span

Poor judgment

Impulsive behavior

Slow learning

Delayed language and speech development

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The older the mother gets, the higher chance the child will have Down Syndrome

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The older the mother gets, the higher chance the child will have Down Syndrome

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The three genetic variations include:

Trisomy 21– More than 90% of Down syndrome cases are caused by trisomy 21. An extra chromosome (chromosome 21) originates in the development of either the sperm or the egg. When the egg and the sperm unite to form the fertilized egg, three (rather than two) chromosomes 21 are present. As the cells divide the extra chromosome is repeated in every cell.

Mosaic Trisomy 21 – This is a rare form (less than 2% of cases) of Down syndrome. While similar to simple trisomy 21, the difference is that the extra chromosome 21 is present in some, but not all cells, of the individual. This type of Down syndrome is caused by abnormal cell division after fertilization. The name comes from a random order of normal and abnormal cells (a mosaic). In cellular mosaicism, the mixture can be seen in different cells of the same type; while with tissue mosaicism, one set of cells may have normal chromosomes and another type may have trisomy 21.

Translocation Trisomy 21-Sometimes (in 3-4% of cases) part of chromosome 21 becomes attached (translocated) to another chromosome (usually the 13th, 14th or 15th chromosome) before or at conception. The carrier (the one having the translocated chromosome) will have 45 chromosomes instead of 46 but they will have all the genetic material of a person with 46 chromosomes. This is because the extra chromosome 21 material is located on a different chromosome (the translocated one). A carrier will have the extra material but will have only one chromosome 21. The carrier will not exhibit any of the symptoms of Down syndrome because they have the correct amount of genetic material.

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Video on Problems caused by Down Syndrome

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Video on Problems caused by Down Syndrome

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Down Syndrome Answers: What health problems do people with Down syndrome have?

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To cope with Down Syndrome, parents should know what it is, have a full grasp and understanding of Down Syndrom. The parents should also get in touch with other people who have kids with down syndrome, so they can help support them, in turn, the other parents can help support them.  Getting a theripist, doctor or speicalist would be good as well, if the child has problems that cannot be diagnosed by the parent. Parents should also prioritise communication, because many children with down syndrome want to communicate to their parents and friends.

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Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused when an error in cell division results in 21 chromosomes. Every cell in the body contains genes that are grouped along chromosomes in the cell's nucleus. There are normally 46 chromosomes in each cell, 23 from the mother and 23 from the father. When some or all of a person's cells have an extra full, or partial, copy of chromosome 21, the result is Down Syndrom.

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Down Syndrome - GeneEd - Genetics, Education, Discovery

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Find information, videos, and activities about down syndrome, a genetic disease resulting from a chromosomal abnormality

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What is Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counseling is the process of:

evaluating family history and medical records

ordering genetic tests

evaluating the results of this investigation

helping parents understand and reach decisions about what to do next

Genetic tests are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissues. They determine whether you, your partner, or your baby carry genes for certain inherited disorders.

These tests identify the likelihood of passing certain genetic diseases or disorders (those caused by a defect in the genes — the tiny, DNA-containing units of heredity that determine the characteristics and functioning of the entire body) to your children.

If your history suggests that genetic testing would be helpful, you may be referred to a genetic counselor. Or, you might decide to seek out genetic counseling yourself.

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Heart Disease. About half of children with Down syndrome have heart defects at birth. These defects may need early treatment to prevent heart failure.

Respiratory infections. Children with Down syndrome are prone to respiratory infections and persistent fluid in the middle ear. Some children also have an impaired immune system, which makes it hard for them to fight off infections. Respiratory infection can lead to serious problems, especially in children who also have heart defects.

Hearing, eye, and dental problems.                       Hearing problems can affect listening skills and language development. Eye problems can range from mild to severe.Gum disease (periodontal disease) is more common in people with Down syndrome, especially adults, than the general population.

Seizures. Although the cause is unknown, seizures occur more often in people who have Down syndrome than in the general population.

Sleep problems. Down syndrome causes some children to have sleep problems, such as sleep apnea or frequent waking and restlessness.

Digestive System problems. Constipation and intestinal blockages can develop because of poor muscle tone. Celiac disease, which is an inability to break down gluten protein, sometimes develops and requires a special diet.