What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome (also known as Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. There is more information about chromosomes below.
Down syndrome occurs naturally – there is no known cause.
Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome.
Chromosomes.
All living things have chromosomes.
Chromosomes act like an instruction manual that defines how our bodies look and how they work. For example, they say what colour our eyes will be or how tall we will grow.
Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes – 46 in total.
People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome added onto the 21st pair – 47 in total.
What this means for people with Down syndrome.
People who have Down syndrome usually have an intellectual disability. This is different in each person.
Some health conditions are more common in people with Down syndrome. You can find information about these on our child health and adult health pages.
The best people to answer many questions about Down syndrome are people with Down syndrome.
Chromosomes R Us.
“Chromosomes R Us” is a short film explaining how Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) occurs.
This film was made by actors with Down syndrome, with Shabang Inclusive Learning in collaboration with Mediapreview, Huddersfield, UK.
This film was made possible by generous funding from BBC Children in Need.
Down syndrome answers.
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society found the most asked questions about Down syndrome on Google.
They asked 10 Canadians with Down syndrome to give their answers.
Click below to hear what they had to say, on the Candian Down Syndrome Society website:
Just like you.
People with Down syndrome have an inherent right to be accepted and included as valued and equal members of the community.
The video ‘Just Like You’ is an example of how this is happening. This video was jointly funded, produced and directed by two Kansas City, United States non-profit organisations.