What are the characteristics of down syndrome?
Characteristics There are over 50 clinical signs of Down syndrome, but it is rare to find all or even most of them in one person. Some common characteristics include: Poor muscle tone Slanting eyes with folds of skin at the inner corners (called epicanthal folds) Hyperflexibility (excessive ability to extend the joints) Short, broad hands with a single crease across the palm on one or both hands Broad feet with short toes Flat bridge of the nose Short, low-set ears Short neck Small head Small oral cavity Short, high-pitched cries in infancy Individuals with Down syndrome are usually smaller than their non-disabled peers, and their physical as well as intellectual development is slower. Besides having a distinct physical appearance, children with Down syndrome frequently have specific health-related problems. A lowered resistance to infection makes these children more prone to respiratory problems. Visual problems such as crossed eyes and far- or nearsightedness are higher in those with
