Down syndrome is present in those who have an extra, critical portion of chromosome 21 that tis present in some or all of their cells which alters the course of development for those with Down syndrome and cause the associated characteristics of Down syndrome. some factors, such as the maternal age of the parent, has been linked to an increased chance of a child being born with Down syndrome, with approximmitelly 5% of Down syndrome case traced to the biological father. About 95% of cases of Down syndrome are accounted for by an error in cell division called “nondisjunction,” which is also known as Trisomy 21. Mosaicism (e.g., mosaic down Down syndrome), the least common form of Down syndrome, is diagnosed when there is a mixture of tea types of cells, with some that contain the expected 46 chromosomes while others care an extra chromosome (47). The third type of Down syndrome, Translocation, accounts for approximately 4% of those diagnosed with Down syndrome. Translocation is characterize by an additional full or partial copy of chromosome 12 that attaches to chromosome 14, which causes the characteristics of Down syndrome. Physical traits include low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. To learn more about Down syndrome, click here.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) is a condition found in children that have been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy and cause brain damage and other growth problems that are not reversible. Common symptoms of FASD may include a mix of physical deficits: small eyes; an exceptionally thin upper lip; a short, upturned nose; a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip; deformities of joints, limbs, and fingers; slow physical growth before and after birth; vision difficulties or hearing problems; small head circumference and brain size; heart deficits and problems with kidney and bones. FASD is associated with brain and central nervous system problems: poor coordination or balance; intellectual disability, learning disorders, and delayed development; poor memory; trouble with attention processing information; difficulty with reasoning, problem solving, and identifying consequences of choices; poor judgement; jitteriness; hyperactivity, and rapidly changing moods. Common social and behavioral issues related to FASD include: difficulties in school, poor social skills, difficulties getting along with peers, difficulties adapting to change or switching from one task to another, problems with behavior and impulse control, poor concept of time, problems staying on task, and difficulty planning or working toward a goal. To learn more about FASD, click here