About Down Syndrome ..... YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTANCE CAN CHANGE OUR FUTURE WHAT IS DOWN SYNDROME? Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that results in intellectual and physical delay. It occurs at the time of conception. There is an extra chromosome on the number 21 chromosome (Trisomy 21)  The proper and accepted terminology for this disability is DOWN SYNDROME.  Down syndrome is not related to race, age, religion and socio-economic status.  Although it cannot be cured, people with Down syndrome benefit from loving homes, appropriate medical care, early intervention, education and vocational services.  A person with Down syndrome has the same emotions and needs as any other person and deserves the same opportunities and care.  Families who are raising children with Down syndrome experience the same joys and challenges experienced by all parents. HOW DOES DOWN SYNDROME OCCUR? The characteristic features of people with Down Syndrome were first described in 1866 by John Langdon Down. In 1959 Professor Lejeune proved that Down Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence if an extra chromosome. The body consists of millions of cells which are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Every cell contains a number of chromosomes. Chromosomes are tiny particles which carry the blue-print for all the characteristics that we inherit. Normally there are 46 chromosomes in every cell; half of these come from our mother , half from our father. the person with Down Syndrome has an extra chromosome nr 21, making 47 in all. This results in changes to the growth of the developing baby. This extra chromosome can come either from the mother or father, and is present because of genetic accident when the egg or the sperm is made or during the initial cell division following conception. 95% of people with Down Syndrome have the type known as standard Trisomy 21. This type of Down Syndrome is always an "accident of nature". It can happen to anyone and there is no known reason why it occurs. Approximately 1% of people with Down syndrome have inherited the condition from their mother or their father because of genetic anomaly called a Translocation. The third type of Down syndrome, also rare, is known as Mosaic Down Syndrome. The chance of any woman having a child with Down syndrome increases with her age, particularly after 35 years. The age of the father is less significant. SERVICES OF THE DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF TSHWANE  To provide support to parents.  To encourage parents that, given the right kind of early help and education, the achievements of children with Down syndrome can far exceed previous expectations.  To educate society and promote public awareness and include children with Down syndrome in all walks of life so that they grow up to be valued and dignified citizens.  To promote research in all aspects of Down syndrome and to distribute the research findings to all practitioners and service providers.  To promote the concept that each child should be given the opportunity to be educated and we will support any effort to include children with Down syndrome into regular schools.  To encourage participation of members threw social clubs such as the Jeans and Tekkies club for the young adults as well as 9-16’s club for teenagers. Most of our services and training programmes are extended to include Atteridgeville and Garankuwa. YOU CAN  Become a member  Tell others about us  Make donation  Become a voluntary helper Contact Details: DOWN SYNDROME ASS. OF TSHWANE PO BOX 16677 LYTTELTON 0140 Tel: (012)664-8871 Fax: (012)664-8349 Banking Details: ABSA SUNNYSIDE BRANCH CODE: 630345 ACC NUMBER: 1500 280 537