Down syndrome is a condition that results from a child being born with forty-seven chromosomes instead of the normal forty-six. The difference causes significant fluctuations in how the child develops, beginning in the womb. Unfortunately, there are some scary conditions that can be tied to this diagnosis, including certain congenital heart defects, pulmonary hypertension, increased risk of certain infections, and thyroid conditions. However, the good news is that the average lifespan of people living with Down Syndrome has greatly increased in recent decades, as a result of an increased understanding of the condition. Still, though, the chances of a mother under the age of thirty having a child with Down Syndrome is one in one thousand and this statistic increases as the mother-to-be ages. At thirty-five, it jumps to one in four hundred, and one in sixty mothers over the age of forty-two will have a child with this condition.

In many cases, Down Syndrome can be detected through certain physical characteristics. This can included eyes that slant upward slightly, small ears, a flattened nasal passage, and a smaller than average mouth (this can make the tongue appear large). Lower than usual muscle tone throughout the body is also characteristic of this condition.

It is not just the physical appearance of a child that is affected by Down Syndrome. The disorder also affects patients’ speed of cognitive development. This can mean that the child will suffer with certain intellectual disabilities, may find social situations uncomfortable, could have a short attention span or act impulsively. The loved one of many patients report that they have a stubbornness about them and may have angry outbursts at times. This can be made worse by poor sleep habits, something that many Down Syndrome patients struggle with. The use of specialized blankets, known as weighted blankets for autistic children or eighted blankets for ADHD can be a very effective way of helping the child sleep peacefully.

Today, so much is known and understood about the condition that medical professionals and teachers have developed new and very effective ways of working with those affected. The child may learn more slowly, but should be able to do the same things as those without the condition. The condition is not progressive, so the condition does not get worse, though some symptoms can present at different stages of life.

Though the condition cannot be cured, the symptoms can often be treated in a variety of ways. Therapy can be used as a way to address difficulties in social situations, co-existing illnesses and conditions can be treated medically, and behavioral issues can be improved with adequate sleep. A weighted blanket, which is also referred to as a weighted blanket for anxiety can assist with this problem and loved will likely see a drastic improvement in mood and concentration. With the right team of family, friends, doctors, therapists, and teachers, the child can live a normal, healthy, and productive life. As science continues to grow, there is hope that a cure will be found.