Trisomy Tuesday

Wow – it’s been a whirlwind of a week so far, and I think it’s only going to get windier (is that a word?)!!

I am by no means an expert on Down syndrome, so these little moments are just as much for me as they are for anyone who reads them.  Hopefully someone will gain something – even if it is more understanding – by reading.

Doctors can usually spot babies with Down syndrome right after birth because of differences in their face, neck, hands and feet, and muscle tone.  After the doctor’s examination, a chromosome study (karyotype) is ordered to confirm the diagnosis.  Daniel’s facial features are pretty subtle (at least to me).  He has lots of extra skin on the back of his neck and shorter fingers.  He also has the cutest curved pinkies!  Daniel also has the most flexible feet we’ve ever seen (most likely from different muscle tone)!  Take a look…

There are no “degrees” of Down syndrome.  Either a person has it or they don’t.  Just like people with 46 chromosomes, people with Down syndrome have varying levels of abilities and skills.  I have been asked a few times, “Do they know if he is mild or severe?”  (Don’t feel bad if you’re one of these people – I had the same thoughts when I found out!)  Just like any other child, Daniel will show us what he is capable of one day at a time.

Babies with Down syndrome develop at a slower rate and with some differences.  People with Down syndrome are so special that they get their own growth charts!  If you want to see them, go here: http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=91