About us
Down syndrome
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms during pregnancy and how, as the baby grows in the womb and after birth, the baby’s body functions. Normally, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes. This extra copy changes the body’s and brain’s normal development and causes mental and physical problems for the baby.
Even though people with Down syndrome might have some physical and mental features in common, symptoms of Down syndrome can range from mild to severe. Usually, mental development and physical development are slower in people with Down syndrome than in those without it.
Some common physical signs of Down syndrome include:
- A flat face with an upward slant to the eye, a short neck, small ears, and a large tongue
- Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye
- Small hands and feet
- A single crease across the palm of the hand
- Small pinky fingers that sometimes curve toward the thumb
- Poor muscle tone or loose ligaments
How can Aspire help?
Aspire’s goal is to provide quality lifetime supports to children and adults with this disability so they can achieve their individual highest potential where they live, learn, and grow.
Learn more about Aspire's services for children and adults with Down syndrome.