Essay on Trisomy 2 A Gift or a Curse - 878 Words

More often than not, children diagnosed with Down syndrome get viewed as lesser of a human being than an average person. Why is that? Is it because of their looks or IQ? Is appearing different really all that different? By taking a look into what Down syndrome is, how it affects them and those around them, and how it can be treated will prove they have the potential to do more than an average person. To completely understand the concept of Down syndrome, one must understand what it is. Down syndrome, the leading factor of cognitive impairment, is a genetic disorder where three chromosomes 21 are inherited. In other words, a person with a disorder of Down syndrome receives an extra set of chromosome 21. Studies have shown, about 95%, on†¦show more content†¦Due to the lack of development, people who are experiencing this disorder may have multiple health concerns such as leukemia, a heart defect, and gastrointestinal problems (Med net). How can one know if they will conceive a child with trisomy 21? As it was stated earlier, the Down syndrome disorder is genetic, but, in truth, the risk of conceiving a Down syndrome child increases with age. Studies have been conducted about the risk a pregnant woman having a child with trisomy 21. At twenty-five years old, one out of 1,250 people conceive a child with trisomy 21; whereas, in twenty years the chances of conceiving a child with trisomy 21 is one out of thirty. After conceiving a child who has been diagnosed with Down syndrome, the parents automatically increases the chance by one percent of conceiving another child with Down syndrome (Med net). People who are diagnosed with Down syndrome often get misjudged by stereotypes. In reality, they are more capable of performing to their full potential (Wurst). Adults who are suffering from trisomy 21 live a semi-independent lifestyle. They contribute to the community and give more input than anyone else (Med net). Due to a lot of employer’s inability to h ire people who have Down syndrome the people with this disorder who want to work tend to have a better work ethic. Since they have this disability, they acquire