• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Stone Soup Group

Supporting Alaskan Families who care for children with special needs.

  • About
    • History & Mission
    • Our Team
    • Our Accountability
    • Our Partners
    • News & Updates
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Press
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Search
Donate
  • Start Here
    • Choose the Right Path for Your Family
    • For Parents & Families
    • For Professionals
    • Programs & Services
    • Contact Us
  • Connect
    • Parent Navigation
    • Developmental Disabilities Resource Connection (DDRC)
    • MAP Parent Mentor Program
    • Specialty Clinics
    • Family Stories
  • Training & Events
    • Training and Event Registration
    • Community Calendar
    • 2023 Stone Soup Group Parent Conference
    • Parent Conference Archive
    • Training and Event Recordings Archive
  • Get Involved
    • Join the Board
    • Become a Mentor Parent
    • Speak Out
    • Invest in Families
    • Volunteer
  • Resources
    • Resources for Families in Response to COVID-19
    • Find a Provider
    • Family Resource Guide
    • Resources, Forms, Tip Sheets and Templates
    • Publications
    • Translated Videos and Materials
    • Financial Supports
    • FAQ
  • About
    • History & Mission
    • Our Team
    • Our Accountability
    • Our Partners
    • Careers
    • News & Updates
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Press

Down Syndrome

What causes (or may cause/lead to) Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. This error in cell division occurs at conception and is not related to anything the mother has done during pregnancy.

What are the three different types of Down Syndrome?

  1. Trisomy 21 is caused by random, abnormal cell division resulting in the baby having three #21 chromosomes instead of two. 95% of all people experiencing Down Syndrome have Trisomy 21.
  2. Translocation is when a part of chromosome #21 breaks off during cell division and attaches to another chromosome; this extra piece of chromosome #21 causes Down Syndrome symptoms. Unlike Trisomy 21, which is a random error very early on, Translocation can mean that one of the parents is carrying unusually arranged chromosomal material. 3-4% of children with Down Syndrome have Translocation.
  3. Mosaic Down Syndrome is similar to other forms of Down Syndrome but because some cells may have the typical number of chromosomes (46) there may be a less severe presentation of symptoms. This can be best described online at Stanford Children’s Health.

Resources:

  • Facts about Down Syndrome
  • Managing Behavior

Early Intervention

Early Intervention is highly recommended for individuals experiencing Down Syndrome. The most common and useful forms of early intervention for young children with Down Syndrome are Speech and language therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. These programs will not only benefit the individual experiencing Down Syndrome, but their family as well. Programs of early intervention teach parents how to interact with their child, how to enhance development, and how to meet the specific needs of their child.

What are some characteristics of a person with Down Syndrome?

  • Distinct facial appearance
  • Intellectual disability
  • Mild to moderate cognitive delays
  • Developmental Delays
  • Subtle obsessive/compulsive behavior

Facts about Down Syndrome

  • Down Syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition.
  • Although the incidence of Down Syndrome is known to increase with advancing maternal age, 80% of children with Down Syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
  • Autism is seen in 5-7% of individuals with Down Syndrome.
  • Down Syndrome cannot be prevented; it is a spontaneous genetic abnormality.
  • Advanced maternal age is the only known risk for Down Syndrome
  • Individuals with Down Syndrome can expect to live to age 60 or longer depending on the severity of their personal health issues.

Activities to Help Teach Children with Down Syndrome

  • 12 Booster Activities for Kids With Down Syndrome
  • Developing working memory skills for children with Down Syndrome

Where can I find a local Down syndrome support group?

The Alaska Chapter of the National Down Syndrome Congress is active throughout our state and has support groups specific to this diagnosis.

Footer

Parents & FamiliesParents & Families

Find assistance with school, health care or behavior related issues through Parent Navigation, or be connected with other families in similar situations.

Learn More

Training & EventsTraining & Events

If you are a parent, professional or youth with special needs, Stone Soup Group offers year-round activities and training to help you gain skills and connect with others in our community.

Learn More

CommunityCommunity

Let your voice be heard. Join various community opportunities and speak your mind about the issues facing children and youth with special needs and the families who care for them.

Learn More

Find a Provider

Find a Provider

Google will tell you who is in our community, but it can’t tell you whether other families would recommend them. We can help you find recommendations from other families, along with other details like what insurance plans are accepted.

Learn More

Stone Soup Group 307 E Northern Lights Blvd #100 Anchorage, AK 99503 · Directions and Map
Phone: (907) 561-3701 · Tax ID: 92-0149995
Board Login
Privacy Policy and Website Disclaimer



Top
Copyright © 2023 Stone Soup Group · All rights reserved. Website by Sundog Media, LLC Logo Sundog Media, LLC.