Ever felt like you’re trying to solve a complex puzzle with pieces that don’t seem to fit? That’s often how it feels to understand a diagnosis like Down syndrome. But you’re not alone. We’re here to help you understand “what causes Down syndrome” and how to support your child in their unique journey.
Table of Contents
Unraveling the Genetic Thread of Down Syndrome
Let’s kick things off with a bit of science. Down syndrome isn’t a trait passed down like height or hair color. It’s a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This bonus genetic material disrupts the typical development, leading to the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
But not all Down syndrome is the same. There are actually three types, each with its own genetic twist:
- Trisomy 21: This is the most common type. Here, every cell in the body has an extra chromosome 21.
- Translocation Down syndrome: In this type, an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present. But it’s attached or “translocated” to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21.
- Mosaic Down syndrome: This is a rare type where some cells have an extra chromosome 21, and some don’t.
Read more: Down Syndrome Quiz for Kids
So, What Causes the Extra Chromosome 21?
Now that we know the types of Down syndrome let’s look into what causes the extra chromosome 21. Most importantly, it results from a random event during the formation of the egg or sperm. That is to say, it’s not caused by anything the parents did or didn’t do before or during pregnancy. In other words, Down syndrome isn’t preventable or caused by specific actions.
For example, you might have heard that Down syndrome is linked to older parents. While it’s true that the chance of having a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, most kids with Down syndrome are born to women under 35. This is simply because younger women have more babies.
Living and Thriving with Down Syndrome
Understanding what causes Down syndrome is just the start. As parents, our primary goal is to help our kids live fulfilling lives. Kids with Down syndrome, like all kids, grow and learn at their own pace. They may need extra support with learning and development, but they also have their unique strengths and abilities.
Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Babies With Down Syndrome
Goally, for instance, offers a range of tools and apps designed to support kids with thinking and learning differences. These tools can help your child develop skills, build routines, and gain confidence in their abilities.
Supporting Your Child
Supporting a child with Down syndrome doesn’t mean doing everything for them. It’s about providing them the tools and opportunities to do things themselves. This includes early intervention services, inclusive education, social support, and positive public attitudes.
For example, Goally’s learning tablet for kids is a fantastic tool to support your child’s learning and development. It’s designed to be engaging and user-friendly, helping your child build skills and confidence.
Goally | Best Videos to Teach Life Skills
Give your kid an independent future. Goally has 100+ video classes teaching life skills like “How to Choose a Restaurant,” “How to Interrupt Politely,” and “How to Get Ready for School.”
Goally takes kids on an adventure that includes interactive practice and checkpoints along the way! No web browsers, YouTube, or social media.
While understanding what causes Down syndrome is crucial, it’s equally important to focus on supporting and celebrating your child’s achievements. After all, every child is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and potential. And as parents, we’re here to guide, support, and cheer them on every step of the way. So, let’s celebrate our kids for who they are – unique individuals with endless potential. And remember, we’re not alone on this journey. Together, we can help our kids reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
