What is Down's syndrome?

The features which people look for include:

• Eyes that slant upwards and outwards. They often have a fold of skin that runs vertically between the two lids at the inner corner of the eye (the epicanthic fold).
• A head which is rather flat at the back with a hairline that is low and ill defined at the nape of the neck, often with rather loose skin in this area.
• A face that appears somewhat flat with a flat nasal bridge.
• A mouth cavity that is slightly smaller than average, and a tongue that is slightly larger. The child's tongue may thus protrude, a habit that can be stopped with teaching.
• Hands that are broad, with short fingers, and a little finger that curves inwards. The palm may have only one crease across it.
• A deep cleft between the first and second toe extending as a long crease on the side of the foot.
• Reduced muscle tone which results in floppiness (hypotonia). This improves spontaneously as the child gets older.
• A below average weight and length at birth.

It is important to point out that any of these features can occur in people who do not have Down's syndrome. For example, four to five per cent of children who do not have Down's syndrome have a single crease across their palm; six to eight per cent of children without Down's syndrome display epicanthic folds; and 25 to 50 per cent of people who do not have Down's syndrome have slanted eyes, flat back of the head, small ears and flat nasal bridge.

For further information please contact
The Down’s syndrome Association
155 Mitcham Road
London, SW17 9PG
UK
Tel: 020 8682 4001
Fax: 020 8682 4012

Or visit their
website