om e

About Down Syndr

What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs at conception. It is sometimes called

Trisomy 21. Each of us has 23 pairs of chromosomes, giving us 46. People with Down
syndrome have 47. They have an extra (partial or full) chromosome 21.

The Discovery of Down Syndrome

John Langdon Down is a physician known as the ‘father’ of Down syndrome. His work,
published in 1866, was the first official work to accurately describe a person with Down
syndrome and recognise the condition as distinct from others.

Further research into the characteristics of people with Down syndrome has been
possible with advancements in medicine and technology. In 1959, a French physician,
Jerome Lejeune, identified Down syndrome as a chromosomal condition, noting the
presence of 47 chromosomes instead of 46.

Types of Down Syndrome

There are three types of Down syndrome:

Trisomy 21 (sometimes referred to as nondisjunction) is the most

common. This occurs when the extra chromosome 21 is present
in each cell, meaning all cells have 47 chromosomes.

Mosaicism is generally considered to be the least

common type of Down syndrome. This happens when
there is a mixture of cells. Some cells contain 47
chromosomes and have an extra copy of chromosome
21. Other cells have the usual 46.

Translocation is the other less common type of Down

syndrome. In this instance, each cell has 46 chromosomes,
as expected. However, a full or partial copy of chromosome 21
attaches itself to another chromosome.

Page 1 of 4 visit twinkl.com.au

 About Down Syndrome

Likelihood or Causes of Down Syndrome

There is no identifiable cause for the extra chromosome 21. The extra copy can come
from either the mother or the father. The mother's age is the only factor connected to
an increased chance of a child being born with Down syndrome. After a woman turns
35, the likelihood increases to 1 in 350. At age 42, the chance is 1 in 70.

Characteristics of Down Syndrome

It is important to note that people with Down syndrome are individuals. Like everyone
else in the community, they will have strengths and weaknesses and different interests,
hobbies and skills. People with Down syndrome may have:

• an intellectual disability at some level;

• characteristic physical features;

• an increased risk of health complications (this is often treatable);

• developmental delays in some areas.

Living with Down Syndrome

Most people live happy and full lives. They can grow up, attend school and often
find a job. People with Down syndrome will have some level of intellectual disability.
This means they may require support for things like communication, school and
employment. As we are all different, this support will look different for everyone.

For some people with Down syndrome, talking clearly can be

difficult. They may need to take extra time to say things or
use Augmentative Alternate Communication (AAC), such
as signs, visual cards or devices. Whatever their ability
to speak or express themselves, people with Down
syndrome can understand more than is often expected.
Making assumptions based on this can make people
upset or feel isolated.

Like everyone else, people with Down syndrome have

goals they want to achieve, want to feel like they belong
and are respected for who they are. They may require support

Page 2 of 4 visit twinkl.com.au

 About Down Syndrome

to achieve goals we take for granted, such as finishing school, finding a job, finding a
place to live and establishing meaningful relationships. However, they can succeed and
make effective community contributions if given the support and opportunity.

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is held each year on March 21st.

‘The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the
uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down
syndrome,’ worlddownsyndromeday.org.

WDSD was first held in 2006 and was officially declared by the United Nations in 2011.
WDSD aims to raise awareness for people with Down syndrome and advocate for their
rights to be accepted and valued by community members.

Page 3 of 4 visit twinkl.com.au

 Questions

1. What is Down syndrome? (tick the correct box)

• A disease

• A genetic condition

• An illness

2. How many types of Down syndrome are there? (tick the correct box)

• Three

• Two

• Five

3. What can increase the chances of a child being born with Down syndrome?

4. What are some of the characteristics of Down syndrome?

5. People with Down syndrome can live as happy and successful community
members. True or false?

• True

• False

6. When is World Down Syndrome Day?

Disclaimer: We hope you find the information on our website and resources useful. These resources are those which we have generally found to be of benefit to learners with SEND. However, every child's
needs are different and so these resources may not be suitable for your child. It is for you to consider whether it is appropriate to use these resources with your child.

Page 4 of 4 visit twinkl.com.au

 om e
About Down Syndr

What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs at conception. It is sometimes called

Trisomy 21. Each of us has 23 pairs of chromosomes, giving us 46. People with Down
syndrome have 47. They have an extra (partial or full) chromosome 21.

The Discovery of Down Syndrome

John Langdon Down is a physician known as the ‘father’ of Down syndrome. His work,
published in 1866, was the first official work to accurately describe a person with Down
syndrome and recognise the condition as distinct from others.

Further research into the characteristics of people with Down syndrome has been
possible with advancements in medicine and technology. In 1959, a French physician,
Jerome Lejeune, identified Down syndrome as a chromosomal condition, noting the
presence of 47 chromosomes instead of 46.

Types of Down Syndrome

There are three types of Down syndrome:

Trisomy 21 (sometimes referred to as nondisjunction) is the most

common. This occurs when the extra chromosome 21 is present
in each cell, meaning all cells have 47 chromosomes.

Mosaicism is generally considered to be the least

common type of Down syndrome. This happens when
there is a mixture of cells. Some cells contain 47
chromosomes and have an extra copy of chromosome
21. Other cells have the usual 46.

Translocation is the other less common type of Down

syndrome. In this instance, each cell has 46 chromosomes,
as expected. However, a full or partial copy of chromosome 21
attaches itself to another chromosome.

Page 1 of 4 visit twinkl.com.au

 About Down Syndrome

Likelihood or Causes of Down Syndrome

There is no identifiable cause for the extra chromosome 21. The extra copy can come
from either the mother or the father. The mother's age is the only factor connected to
an increased chance of a child being born with Down syndrome. After a woman turns
35, the likelihood increases to 1 in 350. At age 42, the chance is 1 in 70.

Characteristics of Down Syndrome

It is important to note that people with Down syndrome are individuals. Like everyone
else in the community, they will have strengths and weaknesses and different interests,
hobbies and skills. People with Down syndrome may have:

• an intellectual disability at some level;

• characteristic physical features;

• an increased risk of health complications (this is often treatable);

• developmental delays in some areas.

Living with Down Syndrome

Most people live happy and full lives. They can grow up, attend school and often
find a job. People with Down syndrome will have some level of intellectual disability.
This means they may require support for things like communication, school and
employment. As we are all different, this support will look different for everyone.

For some people with Down syndrome, talking clearly can be

difficult. They may need to take extra time to say things or
use Augmentative Alternate Communication (AAC), such
as signs, visual cards or devices. Whatever their ability
to speak or express themselves, people with Down
syndrome can understand more than is often expected.
Making assumptions based on this can make people
upset or feel isolated.

Like everyone else, people with Down syndrome have

goals they want to achieve, want to feel like they belong
and are respected for who they are. They may require support

Page 2 of 4 visit twinkl.com.au

 About Down Syndrome

to achieve goals we take for granted, such as finishing school, finding a job, finding a
place to live and establishing meaningful relationships. However, they can succeed and
make effective community contributions if given the support and opportunity.

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is held each year on March 21st.

‘The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the
uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down
syndrome,’ worlddownsyndromeday.org.

WDSD was first held in 2006 and was officially declared by the United Nations in 2011.
WDSD aims to raise awareness for people with Down syndrome and advocate for their
rights to be accepted and valued by community members.

Page 3 of 4 visit twinkl.com.au

 Questions

1. What is Down syndrome? (tick the correct box)

• A disease

• A genetic condition

• An illness

2. Name the three types of Down syndrome.

3. What can increase the chances of a child being born with Down syndrome?

4. What are some of the characteristics of Down syndrome?

5. What are the living opportunities of people with Down syndrome?

6. What have you learnt about World Down Syndrome Day?

Disclaimer: We hope you find the information on our website and resources useful. These resources are those which we have generally found to be of benefit to learners with SEND. However, every child's
needs are different and so these resources may not be suitable for your child. It is for you to consider whether it is appropriate to use these resources with your child.

Page 4 of 4 visit twinkl.com.au

 om e
About Down Syndr

What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs at conception. It is sometimes called

Trisomy 21. Each of us has 23 pairs of chromosomes, giving us 46. People with Down
syndrome have 47. They have an extra (partial or full) chromosome 21.

The Discovery of Down Syndrome

John Langdon Down is a physician known as the ‘father’ of Down syndrome. His work,
published in 1866, was the first official work to accurately describe a person with Down
syndrome and recognise the condition as distinct from others.

Further research into the characteristics of people with Down syndrome has been
possible with advancements in medicine and technology. In 1959, a French physician,
Jerome Lejeune, identified Down syndrome as a chromosomal condition, noting the
presence of 47 chromosomes instead of 46.

Types of Down Syndrome

There are three types of Down syndrome:

Trisomy 21 (sometimes referred to as nondisjunction) is the most

common. This occurs when the extra chromosome 21 is present
in each cell, meaning all cells have 47 chromosomes.

Mosaicism is generally considered to be the least

common type of Down syndrome. This happens when
there is a mixture of cells. Some cells contain 47
chromosomes and have an extra copy of chromosome
21. Other cells have the usual 46.

Translocation is the other less common type of Down

syndrome. In this instance, each cell has 46 chromosomes,
as expected. However, a full or partial copy of chromosome 21
attaches itself to another chromosome.

Page 1 of 5 visit twinkl.com.au

 About Down Syndrome

Likelihood or Causes of Down Syndrome

There is no identifiable cause for the extra chromosome 21. The extra copy can come
from either the mother or the father. The mother's age is the only factor connected to
an increased chance of a child being born with Down syndrome. After a woman turns
35, the likelihood increases to 1 in 350. At age 42, the chance is 1 in 70.

Characteristics of Down Syndrome

It is important to note that people with Down syndrome are individuals. Like everyone
else in the community, they will have strengths and weaknesses and different interests,
hobbies and skills. People with Down syndrome may have:

• an intellectual disability at some level;

• characteristic physical features;

• an increased risk of health complications (this is often treatable);

• developmental delays in some areas.

Living with Down Syndrome

Most people live happy and full lives. They can grow up, attend school and often
find a job. People with Down syndrome will have some level of intellectual disability.
This means they may require support for things like communication, school and
employment. As we are all different, this support will look different for everyone.

For some people with Down syndrome, talking clearly can be

difficult. They may need to take extra time to say things or
use Augmentative Alternate Communication (AAC), such
as signs, visual cards or devices. Whatever their ability
to speak or express themselves, people with Down
syndrome can understand more than is often expected.
Making assumptions based on this can make people
upset or feel isolated.

Like everyone else, people with Down syndrome have

goals they want to achieve, want to feel like they belong
and are respected for who they are. They may require support

Page 2 of 5 visit twinkl.com.au

 About Down Syndrome

to achieve goals we take for granted, such as finishing school, finding a job, finding a
place to live and establishing meaningful relationships. However, they can succeed and
make effective community contributions if given the support and opportunity.

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is held each year on March 21st.

‘The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the
uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down
syndrome,’ worlddownsyndromeday.org.

WDSD was first held in 2006 and was officially declared by the United Nations in 2011.
WDSD aims to raise awareness for people with Down syndrome and advocate for their
rights to be accepted and valued by community members.

Page 3 of 5 visit twinkl.com.au

Questions

1. What is Down syndrome?

2. Name the three types of Down syndrome.

3. What can increase the chances of a child being born with Down syndrome?

4. What are some of the characteristics of Down syndrome?

5. Write a paragraph to describe the living opportunities of people with Down

syndrome.

Page 4 of 5 visit twinkl.com.au

 Questions

6. What have you learnt about World Down Syndrome Day? What is its purpose?

Disclaimer: We hope you find the information on our website and resources useful. These resources are those which we have generally found to be of benefit to learners with SEND. However, every child's
needs are different and so these resources may not be suitable for your child. It is for you to consider whether it is appropriate to use these resources with your child.

Page 5 of 5 visit twinkl.com.au