DOWN’S SYNDROME - Giulia 5°E

Down’s syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra chromosome 21. There are three types of chromosome abnormalities: trisomy 21, translocation and mosaicism. Some physical features are: slanting of the eyelids, decreased muscle tone, loose ligaments, small mouth, small hands and feet. The physical features usually do not cause any severe disability. Most children’s mental retardation is not particularly serious. They develop slowlier than other children. It’s probable that children with Down’s syndrome have heart disease, obesity and other diseases. Nowadays there are many intervention programmes to improve their development. People with Down’s syndrome have pre-vocational training to learn how to work.