Understanding the Range of Down Syndrome Characteristics
Every person with Down syndrome is unique, and that extends to how their form of the condition is expressed, says H. Craig Heller, PhD, a professor of biology and the director of the Center for Down Syndrome Research at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
While many people with Down syndrome will have similar physical, medical, and intellectual traits, these characteristics often differ in severity, Dr. Heller says.
Physical Characteristics
A flattened face — especially across the nose — and upward-slanted, almond-shaped eyes are two common physical traits associated with Down syndrome.
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“Facial-cranial features, for example, are nearly always present [in people with Down syndrome],” Heller says.
Other common physical characteristics include following:
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- Short neck
- Small hands and feet
- Small stature
- Rounded and small ears
- Lack of muscle tone
- Loose joints
- Large tongue
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- Single crease in the palm
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Potential Health Challenges
Some people with Down syndrome do not experience any medical-related effects from their condition. Others, Heller says, may experience problems that include the following:
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- Hearing loss
- Poor eyesight and eye diseases
- Digestive issues
- Low bone density
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Heart issues, including heart defects at birth
- Obesity and weight management concerns
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- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life
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Intellectual and Developmental Differences
Although everyone is different, children with Down syndrome may have cognitive developmental challenges. They may have problems learning new things, making decisions, and focusing.
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“There can be effects on learning and memory, and specifically the ability to form long-term memories,” Heller says.
They may start walking, talking, and sitting at a later age than children without Down syndrome, and therapy can lead to improvements.
Other common traits may be positive.
“Children with Down syndrome are generally really social and outgoing, for example,” Pipan says. “Every individual with Down syndrome has their own strengths and weaknesses. Given the right support, they can accomplish a lot.”
