How Individuals with Down Syndrome can Prosper in Life

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How Individuals with Down Syndrome can Prosper in Life Roger is a handsome blonde, blue-eyed boy but one can tell he is different from most other children. His physical features are somewhat strange. Roger's face is broader and his nasal bridge flatter than usual. And his eyes, they appear to slant upward and have folds at the inner corners. His mouth is small and the roof of his mouth is very narrow. Not to mention his small ears which fold over a bit at the top. Touching his hands they are tiny, his fingers shorter and his fifth finger seems to curve slightly inward. These are all physical signs of a child with a disorder called Down syndrome, a chromosome disorder. While there is no actual cure for Down syndrome I believe parents can give their children the opportunity to live longer, happier more capable lives than any prior generation of people with Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome have the potential to fit into society and lead normal lives by education, employment and support from a better-informed society. One may ask why looking at a disorder like Down syndrome is important in relation to science. This is because approximately three to five thousand children are born with Down syndrome each year. And it is believed there are about two hundred and fifty thousand families in the United States who are affected by Down syndrome (Moss). Down syndrome occurs when certain events occur during cell division to cause the wrong chromosome number as a result. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder characterized by the presence of an extra #21 chromosome. Instead of having forty-six chromosomes in each of his/her cells, a person with Down syndrome has forty-seven. It is believed that during cell ... ... middle of paper ... ...nd make significant contributions to their communities every day (UPSIDE! Down Syndrome Society - Ramblings). With education, employment, and support from a community an individual with Down syndrome can have a normal life and there is no limit to what he/she can accomplish. . Work Cited 1) Down Syndrome: For New Parents. 15 February 2004. 2) Kate Moss. "Hearing and Vision Loss Associated with Down Syndrome." 15 February 2004. 3) Starr, Cecie. Basic Concepts in Biology. United States: Thomson Learning, Inc., 2003. 4) Unger, Darlene. "Working in the community through supported Employment." 13 February 2004. 5) "UPSIDE! Down Syndrome Society-Ramblings." 15 February 2004.

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