Down syndrome is a complication associated with the genetics in the human body. Although people with this problem have been known to life a healthy independent life and have their own families, there is a general fear amongst a lot of citizens. The statistics show that more than 95 percent of the parents opt for abortion if this syndrome is diagnosed whereas only 5 agree to go ahead with the birth. On an average the total numbers of babies who actually see light are very few.

Medically, a person suffering from this disease has more chromosomes than the normal (1 extra i.e. 47 instead of 46). This happens when in one of the 23 pairs, there are 2 chromosomes instead of one each from either of the parents making it a total of 3. It can be understood that there are many permutations to this and hence the probability of it cannot be made uncertain. 21st pair of chromosomes is the most common area for its occurrence.

Another situation is the mosaic syndrome disorder. In this, the chromosomes get damaged at the time of replication leading to what was supposed to be 2 into 3 again causing an extra element. This syndrome is less severe than the former one because only a certain number of cells have 47 chromosomes set while the others are normal (the problem is at the replication level which is not applicable to all the cells). The occurrence rate is about 3 percent which is lower than translocation (4-5 percent) where a broken chromosome attaches to another.

Because there are many adverse effects of this genetic problem, all couples expecting a child are expected to pay a visit to the genetic counselor, who, would be at a better position to help determine whether there is a possibility of this happening. It is also possible that it passes down the generations as in the case of heredity. Down syndrome comprises of one of the many reasons why couples are advised not to have a baby at old age as women of age higher than 35 years run a major risk.

Other attributes which are related to Down syndrome include smoking and environmental conditions and hence pregnant women are advised to avoid city crowd and stay at an environmentally clean area. Ultrasound and blood tests can correctly diagnose any problems. The total Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of people suffering from this disease is known to be at comparatively lower levels than the normal children (the variation is also applicable for different types). Even then, there are cases of exception where such children have scored better in most of the areas.

One confirmed area of this genetically triggered problem delay in speech development. It takes time for the vocal chords to fully develop for the child to speak. If it does develop, the connectivity from the brain to these organs is underdeveloped. It would not be right to say that living with Down syndrome is impossible; the path is full of hurdles and difficulties which can be dealt with as the time passes.