Down syndrome is a set of mental and physical symptoms that result from having an extra copy of chromosome 21. This happens in the early stages of pregnancy. Having this extra chromosome usually slows the development of the brain and body.
Some common physical signs of Down syndrome include:
Flat face with an upward slant to the eyes
Short neck
Abnormally shaped ears
Deep crease in the palm of the hand
White spots on the colored portion of the eye
Low muscle tension
Small hands and feet
Down syndrome also causes intellectual disability. Most people with Down syndrome have a level of intellectual functioning (IQ) that is in the mild to moderate range of intellectual disabilities. They may also be slow in developing language skills and learning to control their movements.
Down syndrome has no cure. But children with Down syndrome can often be helped by:
Speech therapy
Physical therapy to help them learn to control their movements
Occupational therapy to help them learn activities of daily living
Special education
With help early in life, many people with Down syndrome can live productive lives well into adulthood.
Down Syndrome - This fact sheet describes the characteristics of Down syndrome and employment and educational implications, as well as provides a list of additional resources.
Down Syndrome - This publication presents information about Down syndrome (DS), including prevalence, screening, diagnosis, and living with DS through the different stages of life.
A federal government website managed by the
Office on Women's Health
in the
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
at the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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