Down syndrome

Sarah Harmon

Period 2

7 April 2011

Down syndrome

a genetic disorder, associated with the presence of an extra chromosome 21, characterized by mild to severe mental retardation, weak muscle tone, a low nasal bridge, and epicanthic folds at the eyelids.

Characteristics of down syndrome

Eyes that slant upward and outwardNarrow eye openingsA face that seems to be flattenedA small head compared to body sizeBroad feet with short toesEars that are small and set lowShort arms and legs compared to length of bodyBroad hands with short fingers and a single crease across the palmSmall nose and small mouth, in which the tongue may be relatively largeLack of muscle toneAbility to extend body joints; extreme flexibility

Possible life-long effects/impacts of disability

Have a possible chance of having to need heart surgery/heart problems.

Have hard time learning and talking with others.

Hard time doing things.

Living assistance/care needed

They would need a full time care provider if the parents were not with them or do not want to take care of them.

How I can help improve the life of someone with a disability

I can help do this by simply walking with them or slowly communicating with them. I can also help them in things that they aren't capable of doing.

The End!