Down syndrome is common in the Netherlands. But what exactly type of condition is it?
Down syndrome
You see people with Down syndrome all over the world. Down syndrome is named after John Langdon Down, who was the first man to describe the disease. Down syndrome is a hereditary condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. People with Down syndrome usually need more time to learn things. In the past, babies often died from the condition, but nowadays this is rare. They do not live as long as people without Down syndrome.
Characteristics of Down syndrome
- Fairly flat face with a flattened nose bridge
- A small mouth that makes the tongue appear large, the tongue sometimes also hangs out of the mouth
- A lot of space between the big toe and the second toe
- The length and birth weight are below average
- Broad hands with short fingers
- Loose muscles and weights
- Eyes that are slit-shaped and slightly crooked
Who can get it?
People with Down syndrome are found all over the world. Boys are more likely to be born with this condition than girls. Approximately 200 babies are born with Down syndrome in the Netherlands every year. Women cannot prevent their babies from having Down syndrome. The age of the mother does play an important role in the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. The older the mother is, the more likely she is to have a baby with Down syndrome. If a mother already has a child with Down syndrome, there is also a greater chance that the next child will also have Down syndrome.
Education
In the past, children with Down syndrome were sent to a special school for children with learning disabilities. Nowadays they go to regular schools. Many people find this better because it also gives children with Down syndrome the opportunity to be part of a regular school community. It is also good for the students in the class, because they can see for themselves what it is like to live with a disability. Children with Down syndrome have a special curriculum tailored to their individual needs.
Adults with Down syndrome
The lives of people with Down syndrome, like other adults, revolve around health, family and work. Many people with Down syndrome marry, often to someone who also has a learning disability. Most women with Down syndrome are fertile, so they can have children. Men with Down syndrome are often unable to father children. Babies currently born with Down syndrome can live to be 60 years or older.
