About Down’s Syndrome
Everything you need to know about Down’s syndrome
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What is Down’s syndrome?
Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of a full or partial third copy of chromosome 21 in the body’s cells.
It is sometimes shortened to “Ds” and in some other countries it’s called Down syndrome.
Approximately one in every 1,000 babies is born with Down’s syndrome and in Scotland it is estimated that there are 70 babies born with Down’s syndrome each year with the total number of people living with Down’s syndrome in Scotland estimated to be 4,500.
People with Down’s syndrome are diverse individuals, each with their own unique characteristics and potential. While it is the most common form of learning disability, it’s essential to understand that having Down’s syndrome does not define a person’s abilities or limit their potential to learn and grow.
Living with Down’s syndrome
People who have Ds are not all the same; every person who has the condition is as individual as everyone else in the population and have more in common with their families than with another person who has the condition.
Down’s syndrome is a lifelong condition and there is no cure; however, there are many ways to ensure that each individual with Down’s syndrome is given the right type and amount of support that they need to develop to their full potential. Today the average life expectancy for a person with Ds is about 60 years old with a small number of people living into their 70s and beyond.
What causes Down’s syndrome?
Down’s syndrome usually occurs randomly at the time of conception and affects males and females alike. It is rarely hereditary and nothing either parents did before or during pregnancy can have caused it.
Inside the cells in our bodies we all have chromosomes which contain information that make each of us unique, such as our eye colour, hair colour and height.
Most people have 46 chromosomes inside every cell of their body which go together in twenty-three pairs – at conception, babies receive 23 chromosomes from mum and 23 from dad which make up the 46 pairs.
People born with Down’s Syndrome have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21 which means they have 47 chromosomes in the cells in their body – one extra chromosome that randomly happens. It is this extra chromosome 21 that causes the characteristics of the condition.
Types of Down’s syndrome
There are three types of Down’s syndrome: Trisomy 21, Translocation and Mosaic Down’s syndrome.
Resources about Down’s syndrome
Ten facts about Down's syndrome
21 May 2024
Contact us
If you would like more information about Down’s syndrome or have a specific question for us please get in touch.
You can call us on 0300 030 2121 or email info@dsscotland.org.uk.