Down syndrome is universal across racial and economic levels; however, research shows that older women have an increased chance of having a child with Down syndrome. Blood tests and ultrasounds are used in the screening process to identify if an unborn child may be carrying Down syndrome genes.

In 1866, an English physician named John Langdon Down gained recognition as the “father” of the syndrome after publishing an accurate description of a person with Down syndrome. In 1959 a French physician, Jérôme Lejeune, identified that an extra partial or whole copy of chromosome 21 results in the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

Currently, research has distinguished three types of Down Syndrome:

caused when 21st chromosome fails to separate prior to or at conception. This extra chromosome is then replicated in each of the body cells as the embryo develops. This type accounts for 95% of Down syndrome cases. (ndss.org)

occurs when chromosome 21 fails to separate in one of the initial cell divisions after fertilization creating some cells to contain 47 chromosomes rather than the usual 46. This type accounts for 2% of Down syndrome cases. (cdss.ca)

occurs during cell division when part of chromosome 21 breaks off and attaches to another chromosome, typically chromosome 14. The cells contain 46 chromosomes however the extra part of chromosome 21 causes Down syndrome characteristics. This type accounts for about 3% of all cases of Down syndrome. (cdss.ca)

In the past individuals with Down syndrome were only expected to survive until age 20. Presently with advanced medical treatment, corrective heart surgery and the discovery of antibodies the life expectancy of an individual may be well past the age of 60. However, current research shows that an individual with Down syndrome may experience brain changes similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease in their forties, though not progressing into dementia. (bandofangels.com)

Behavior challenges or concerns in an individual with Down syndrome are typically no different from others in the same developmental age though frequency and intensity may be magnified. Behaviour may be their way of communicating frustration or a lack of understanding due to communication, language or processing problems.

Many individuals with Down syndrome self-talk or talk to themselves which isn’t a concern. It’s important to also consider that the behaviour being displayed may be influenced by acute or chronic medical problems are associated with the individual (e.g. vision, hearing, sleep apnea, anxiety, etc.). Some common behavioural concerns include wandering, running, oppositional behaviour, being stubborn, attention problems, obsessive/compulsive and Autism (occurring in 5-7%).