One of the greatest mysteries known to man is the human body. Even after all of the medical advances and research breakthroughs, the body often confounds us. It’s made of intricate operating systems that connect like continually growing and changing puzzles. At the center of those systems are countless human cells. At the center of each cell is a nucleus. The nucleus is like a tiny walk-in closet where all genetic material is stored in genes. The codes for all inherited traits are carried by genes and organized along rod-like structures called chromosomes.

There are 23 pairs of chromosomes in each typical cell nucleus. Individuals with Down syndrome have a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material causes Down syndrome characteristics such as low muscle tone, upward slant of eyes, small stature and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Each person is unique and exhibits these traits to different degrees, some not at all.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in every 691 babies in the U.S. is born with Down syndrome which makes it the most common genetic condition. It wasn’t until the late nineteenth century that John Langdon Down, an English physician, published an accurate description of a person with Down syndrome. In 2000, an international team of scientists successfully identified and catalogued each of the approximately 329 genes on chromosome 21. This success paved the way for advances in Down syndrome research.

Although strides are being made, there are several myths about Down syndrome:

Myth: People with Down syndrome have severe cognitive delays.

Truth: Most cognitive delays are mild to moderate. Children with Down syndrome fully participate in public and private educational programs. Their full educational potential is still being discovered.

Myth: Most people with Down syndrome are institutionalized or segregated educationally.

Truth: Today, people with Down syndrome live at home with their families and are active participants in the educational, vocational, social, and recreational activities of their communities. They are included in regular academic classrooms and specific courses.

Myth: People with Down syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationships.

Truth: They do have meaningful friendships, date, socialize, form ongoing relationships, marry and have feelings just like everyone else. They experience a full range of emotions.

Myth: Parents will not find community support in bringing up their child with Down syndrome.

Truth: There are parent support groups and other community organizations across the U.S. to provide services to families of individuals with Down syndrome. The Arkansas Down Syndrome Association is a local resource. Visit ARDownSyndrome.org for more information.

8th Annual Down Syndrome Conference

Parents, caregivers, and service providers are invited to register and attend two special back-to-back events happening in Little Rock on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, 2014.

The hosts are the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association, in partnership with the UAMS Department of Family and Preventative Medicine and the UAMS Division of Genetics, along with community sponsors.

Friday session: “Behavior in Autism and Down Syndrome: Causes and Approaches”

Nationally recognized speakers Dennis McGuire, PhD, Kent McKelvey, MD and Melissa Richardson, BCBA will address issues related to behavior in Autism and Down syndrome by exploring the subjects of genetics, behavioral causes, challenges and management methods.

Saturday session: “Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy”

Peter Wright, Esq., attorney, author and co-founder of Wrightslaw, an online resource on education law, special education law, and special education advocacy, will offer:

  • An overview of special education law, rights and responsibilities
  • Texts and measurements of progress and regression
  • SMART IEPs
  • An introduction of tactics and strategies for effective advocacy

For more information call 223-3696 or email ARDownSyndrome@aol.com.