Those born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of a chromosome – chromosome 21 to be exact. As a result, the person develops differently than others, and it limits their cognitive development.
While the syndrome is relatively common in the U.S., the exact reason babies are born with an extra chromosome is not known. However, those with Down syndrome may be able to live a better quality of life with the right interventions early on. Here are six things to know about the syndrome…
1. It’s The Most Common Chromosomal Condition
DoSomething.org explains 1-in every 691-babies born in the U.S. has Down syndrome, making it the most common condition related to the chromosomes. Currently there are more than 400,000-people in the U.S. living with the condition, notes the source.
The source estimate up to 5,000-children are born with Down syndrome in the U.S. each year, and that roughly 25 per cent of families in the U.S. “are affected” by Down syndrome, it adds.
