There are 3 types of Down syndrome. Nondisjunction (Trisomy 21), Mosaic & Translocation. Trisomy 21 accounts for about 95% of known Down syndrome cases. Nondisjunction Down syndrome is a genetic condition and is the most common chromosomal condition. A typical baby receives 46 chromosomes, 23 from their mother and 23 from their father. When a child is born with Down syndrome it is due to them receiving an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. This is why Down syndrome may also be referred to as T21 or Trisomy 21. When a person has Down syndrome, each cell contains 47 instead of 46 chromosomes. This type of Down syndrome is nondisjunction Down syndrome.

Approximately 1 in every 1100 babies born each year in Australia will have Down syndrome. About 290 babies are born each year with Down syndrome.

As mentioned above, Down syndrome is caused when a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. Nobody can say why it happens as it happens randomly. Scientific research has not been able to find any environmental factors or activities that increases the chance of having a child with Down syndrome. Maternal age is the only thing that has been linked to an increased chance however, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 due to higher birth rates.

A 35 year old woman has about a one in 350 chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome, and this chance increases gradually to 1 in 100 by age 40. At age 45 the incidence becomes approximately 1 in 30.

During pregnancy women are offered routine ultrasounds and scans . These include screening test which can help estimate a baby’s risk of being born with a range of conditions, including Down syndrome. A nuchal translucency scan is performed to measure the fluid filled space behind your baby’s neck. This is the first test that could indicate some sort of abnormality. NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) is an optional blood test that can give a clearer indication and finally the amniocentesis can be done to show whether a baby actually has Down syndrome.

A diagnosis of Down syndrome refers to the presence of the additional chromosome 21. There are no levels or degrees of Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome have a range of abilities just like everyone else

There are some common physical features of those with Down syndrome however, they share more physical characteristics with their families and have their own personalities just like everyone else.

No, those with Down syndrome are not “ALWAYS” HAPPY. They have the same emotions as everyone else. They can be sad, scared, angry, excited. They can be hurt, and they can feel love.

Back in 1940, the life expectancy for a child born with Down syndrome was as low as 12. In today’s world, it has increased to 60 with some babies expected to reach the age of 80.

Here is some information I found at https://www.downsyndrome.org.au/

There are a number of books available that can help children learn about Down syndrome.

My friend Isabelle is suitable for children aged 2-4 years. It is a story about two young friends and encourages young children to talk about differences in the world around them.

Prince Noah and the School Pirates is suitable for children aged 6-7 years old. It is a fairy tale about a young prince with Down syndrome.

47 strings: Tessa’s Special Code is a book for children aged 7-8 years. It is a picture book about a young girl named Tessa who has Down syndrome.

We’ll Paint The Octopus Red tells the story of a 6 year old girl preparing for the birth of her new little brother.