Birth
When a child with Down syndrome is born, the disorder is often very prevalent from the start, displayed both physically and emotionally. The distinct facial features (described in detail in the next tab) and small size are often a sure sign of the disorder, but in addition, the baby may also be overly quiet and minimally responsive. Down syndrome babies will also have very floppy limbs due to their severe lack of muscle tone. After physically examining the baby, the next step that a doctor would order would be a chromosome study in the form of a karyotype that confirms the diagnosis. The next tabs, Physical, Medical, and Mental, will explain other characteristics of people with Down syndrome that will stay with them from birth until death. |