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The Upside Of Down Syndrome

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Lauren Thometz
November 11, 2014
Anatomy/Physiology 1
Research Paper

The Upside of Down syndrome

Down syndrome is a common chromosomal disorder that is caused by abnormal cell division resulting in extra genetic material from Chromosome 21. Down syndrome occurs frequently in that 1 out of 800 babies are born with this disorder. Those born with Down syndrome tend to experience specific physical characteristics, cognitive impairments, mental and medical help problems. Down syndrome is extremely special to me because I grew up with an aunt who has this disorder. My aunt Lisa is beautiful, funny, outgoing, and smart. She lives and enjoys life as it is thrown to her. Some days are harder than others, but she is 62 years old and refuses to let her disability hinder her life. Down syndrome is not who she is, but something she has.
Dr. John Langdon Down was an English physician who had a strong calling towards mental retardation and was the first to describe what he felt was someone with Down syndrome. He based his findings off of distinct characteristics. Before this syndrome got the name Down syndrome he used the term ‘Mongloid’ due to the similarities that were shared in the Mongolian race. It wasn’t until later when they determined the cause of Down syndrome, which is an extra chromosome. Therefore making Down syndrome a chromosomal disorder. This condition is characterized by a combination of major and minor differences in body structure. Typically, doctors are able to

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