Essay On Down Syndrome

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Bailey Lauder Professor Christi Thomsen Biology 1060 17 April 2014 It is a well known fact that all living things, humans included, are made up of cells. The nucleus of a typical cell in the human body is made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes. Half of the pairs come from each parent. In some individuals there is a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21 present; these individuals have Down Syndrome (National Down Syndrome Society). Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder that most people know very little about. Since Down Syndrome is something that very few people know much about, this paper will include a lot of information about the disorder that is not well known to the general public. In this paper I will discuss what exactly Down Syndrome is and provide background information and history, describe how and when the disorder is diagnosed, provide insight of what life is like for a person with Down Syndrome and I will do my best to clear up many misconceptions that people often have about individuals with Down Syndrome. As mentioned in the introduction, Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. The extra genetic material is typically responsible for the alteration of physical development. Some of the most common physical traits of Down Syndrome are distinct facial features such as a upward slanting almond shaped eyes, a seemingly flattened face, a tongue that tends to stick out, and small ears. Some of the other physical traits that are sometimes present are short stature, poor muscle tone, and a crease across the palm of the hand (CDC). Due to the poor muscle tone in their bodies, people who have Down Syndrome are more susceptible to conditions such as obesity and sleep apnea... ... middle of paper ... ... with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities gain acceptance. People with Down Syndrome are just as important as you and me and I for one am excited that the scientific community is making such great advances involving the research, treatment and improvement of the lives of individuals with this and other cognitive disabilities. This cause is important to me because as a Disability Studies major, I am strongly committed to equal treatment and understanding of people with special needs. I work at an agency that provides recreational and educational opportunities for people with a variety of disabilities and conditions and I love what I do. I am convinced that with further scientific research and more people spreading awareness there will be a day where all individuals with different conditions will be entirely accepted and socially included.

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