Down Syndrome (Down's)

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that tends to cause learning disabilities and physical features characteristic of the condition. In England and Wales around 775 babies are born with Down Syndrome per year, that's around one in every 1000. Babies are often diagnosed with Down Syndrome after birth.

There are a number of common traits of those with Down Syndrome including reduced muscle tone, which can lead to floppiness, eyes which slant upwards and outwards, a flat back of the head and being below average in terms of weight and length at birth. Those with Down Syndrome share common features but every person is unique.

Down Syndrome is caused when an extra copy of chromosome 21 appears in a baby's cells. This isn't inherited but is the result of a one off genetic change in the egg or sperm.

People with Down's Syndrome often find that their learning disabilities mean that they don't always fully understand what is expected of them.