Exceptional Child

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Down Syndrome occurs when a baby is born with an extra chromosome: This extra chromosome is chromosome number twenty one. Having this extra chromosome results in mild to severe cognitive disabilities, facial features that are specific to Down Syndrome, and various health problems. These conditions vary from child to child. Trisomy twenty one is the most frequent type. It occurs in 95 percent of the cases. There are two other causes of Down Syndrome: Translocation Down Syndrome which is four percent and Mosaic Down Syndrome which is one percent. Down Syndrome is the largest hereditary disability and affects one in six hundred and ninety one infants. (Crocker, 2011) It is very important to get early intervention help because that can be extremely important in the child’s development (Mayo Clinic 2014) Down Syndrome is characterized by a broad flat face, slanted eyes, shorter stature, and low muscle tone. Babies with this condition have been described as looking “floppy”. They have a small nose, ears, and a single deep crease across the center of their palm. They often have a bigger tongue that may stick out. There is a lot of variability amongst individuals with Down Syndrome and unpredictability with respect to their cognitive and emotional capabilities as they develop. Currently, much research is focused on eliminating Down Syndrome since its source has already been located and understood. Scientists think that they have found a way to remove or “switch off” the extra chromosome that is the root of Down Syndrome. Researchers in the University of Massachusetts medical school have accomplished this on human cells in their laboratory. If the extra chromosome is able to be switched off in humans than the possibility that Down Syndrom... ... middle of paper ... ... sister of S.H has been by far the most transformative and meaningful event in the authors life. It has shaped the type of person the author is and the type of woman the author hopes to be. It has played a key role in defining the author’s personal goals and professional objectives and has assisted immensely in the formation of my hopes and dreams. It has given the author an appreciation of her own abilities and inspired her to use them contribute to the lives of others. It has taught her that differences are not something to hide from but rather are something that should be embraced. It has pushed the author to focus on one’s abilities rather than on one’s limitations. It has instilled in her a deep respect for the challenges and resiliencies that families of children with disabilities endure. The author loves, admires and respects her sister with all of her heart.

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