TeachersFirst - E-READY Special Education Site

Down Syndrome - Characteristics

There are over 50 clinical signs of Down syndrome, but it is rare to find all or even most of them in one person. Some common characteristics include:

Poor muscle tone;

Slanting eyes with folds of skin at the inner corners (called epicanthal folds);

Hyperflexibility (excessive ability to extend the joints);

Short, broad hands with a single crease across the palm on one or both hands;

Broad feet with short toes;

Flat bridge of the nose;

Short, low-set ears;

Short neck;

Small head;

Small oral cavity; and/or

Short, high-pitched cries in infancy.

Individuals with Down syndrome are usually smaller than their non-disabled peers, and their physical as well as intellectual development is slower.

Besides having a distinct physical appearance, children with Down syndrome frequently have specific health-related problems. A lowered resistance to infection makes these children more prone to respiratory problems. Visual problems such as crossed eyes and far- or nearsightedness are higher in those with Down syndrome, as are mild to moderate hearing loss and speech difficulty.

Approximately one third of babies born with Down syndrome have heart defects, most of which are now successfully correctable. Some individuals are born with gastrointestinal tract problems that can be surgically corrected.

Some people with Down syndrome also may have a condition known as Atlantoaxial Instability, a misalignment of the top two vertebrae of the neck. This condition makes these individuals more prone to injury if they participate in activities which overextend or flex the neck. Parents are urged to have their child examined by a physician to determine whether or not their child should be restricted from sports and activities which place stress on the neck. Although this misalignment is a potentially serious condition, proper diagnosis can help prevent serious injury.

Children with Down syndrome may have a tendency to become obese as they grow older. Besides having negative social implications, this weight gain threatens these individuals' health and longevity. A supervised diet and exercise program may help reduce this problem.

Definition • Characteristics • Educational Implications • Special Topics • References • National Organizations • Disabilities Defined

Adapted from information published by the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities

E-Ready is funded by a grant from the NEC Foundation of America