[?] Subscribe To
This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Newsgator
Subscribe with Bloglines

Home
Facts and Myths
Heart Surgery Pics
The Extra Gene/News
I Can...Can You?
Baby Treadmills
Childhood Cancer
Will I be Different?
Hearing 101
Baby Sign
Sexuality and DS
Words Mean Things
Name Calling Hurts
Dopey has DS
But I'm Scared
Contact
What Can Be Done?
Is There a Cure?
DS Symptoms
Sensitive Skin
DS Characteristics
Privacy Policy
Adoption

Enter your E-mail Address

Enter your First Name (optional)

Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you The Extra Gene.

Down syndrome symptoms

This is a list of common Down syndrome symptoms. It’s going to scare the pants off you. Please keep in mind as you are going through this list that--

  • There are many, many Down syndrome symptoms.
  • Most children with Down syndrome exhibit only a few symptoms on this list!
  • Because of the nature of Down syndrome, some kids have one thing and some have another.

Down syndrome symptoms

This is my daughter, Madison, enjoying her cake. As you can see, she is a normal 2 year old who likes sweets. She is so much more than a list of symptoms!

You do need to be aware of what's in store for your child, however. You need to be prepared to deal with things that come up.

As pages are added to this site, more topics will be turned into links for you. Pages are added weekly, so you may want to subscribe to the RSS feed. It’s the orange button in the box in the upper left corner of the page.

DS Symptoms

Congenital Heart Defects

  • Atrioventricular Canal Defect (AV canal)
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Resulting in Pulmonary Hypertension
Congenital Gastrointestinal Defects Atlantoaxial Instability
Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
Palmer Crease
Nasal congestion
Respiratory Problems-RSV, colds
Respiratory Infections-bronchitis, pneumonia
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Hearing Problems
 Hearing Loss
 Mental Retardation
 Gum Disease
Teeth Problems
Leukemia
 Weight Problems-Obesity

Seizures
Sleep Apnea

Vision Problems

  • Crossed eyes
  • Astigmatism
  • Nearsightedness
  • Farsightedness
  • Cataracts
  • Blocked Tear Ducts
Orthopedic Problems
  • Metatarsus Varus (toes point inward)
  • Pes Planus (flat feet)
  • Patellar Instability (kneecap is unstable, loose)
Alzheimer’s Disease
Thyroid Disease

Physical Features
Broader nose, flattened nasal bridge
Upward slanting eyes, small folds of skin at inner corners
Small mouth, shallow roof of mouth (makes the tongue look larger when actually it's typical size)
Teeth- late eruption, misshapen, missing, out of place
Small ears with the tops folded over, small ear passages
Smaller than normal head (not usually noticeable unless measured)
Back of the head flattened
Soft spots on head bigger-take longer to close
Hands smaller, fingers shorter
Feet smaller
“Sandal Gap” between big toe and rest of toes
 Hair that is soft and thin
Sensitive skin, can be mottled and fair
Shape of chest-can be funnel shaped or pigeon breasted


Most kids have only a few Down syndrome symptoms! And symptoms will vary from child to child. My daughter has:

  • congenital heart defect (repaired)
  • mild to moderate low muscle tone
  • sandal gap
  • one ear is "primitive" (doctor's words)
  • sensitive skin, mottled at times (but she is fair-skinned anyway)
  • upward-slanting eyes
  • flattened bridge of nose and face (this makes her look like a doll. Adorable!)
  • some teeth are slightly pointed
  • slightly developmentally delayed

Other kids will have their own set of Down syndrome symptoms. The important thing is not to panic, but to address these symptoms in a systematic way. Most all can be dealt with.

from down syndrome symptoms to home


footer for Down syndrome symptoms page