Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a genetic condition resulting from the presence of an additional or partial third chromosome 21. The presence of all or part of an additional copy of chromosome 21 results in Down syndrome, the most prevalent chromosomal anomaly in humans. Down syndrome individuals have an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in cells with 47 total chromosomes, altering brain and body development.
Risk factors
Research on Down syndrome risk factors indicates that the likelihood of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases as the birthing parent ages, with most babies born to individuals under 35 due to higher fertility rates.
Physical signs
- A horizontal nasal bridge.
- Upward-tilted slanted eyes.
- The short neck.
- Small ears, hands, and feet.
- Hypotonia during birth.
- Minor pinky finger that bends inward toward the thumb.
- A single palmar crease in the hand.
- A below-average height.
Down Syndrome Cognitive Symptoms
Extra chromosome in Down syndrome can cause intellectual or developmental disabilities. Children may have different abilities to meet developmental milestones. These include:
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Language development skills
- Cognitive skills
- Social and emotional skills
- Longer development time for toilet training, speaking first words, taking first steps, and eating independently.
Can people with Down syndrome drive?
Individuals with Down syndrome are permitted to drive cars, provided they can pass both the written and practical examinations.
Cognitive and Motor Skills Needed for Driving
Driving is a multifaceted task necessitating many cognitive and motor abilities. For persons with Down syndrome, these talents may differ according to their cognitive and physical capacities. The following delineates the cognitive and motor competencies requisite for driving, with particular attention to those with Down syndrome:
1-Cognitive Abilities
-
Concentration and Attention
-
Continuous vigilance to observe roadway conditions, signage, and signals.
-
Capability to transition attention among several tasks (e.g., monitoring mirrors and assessing traffic).
2-Decision-Making
- Rapid assessment to react to alterations in traffic, including lane merging or deceleration.
- Capability to anticipate and react to the behaviors of other motorists.
3-Memory
- Retention of traffic regulations and capacity to recall routes.
- Recalling the sequence of actions for secure driving, such as signaling and inspecting blind spots.
4-Problem solving
- Managing unexpected events such as diversions or abrupt impediments.
- Capability to evaluate and alleviate threats proficiently.
5-Spatial consciousness
- Comprehending the vehicle’s location with other automobiles and road peripheries.
- The capacity to assess distances for secure overtaking or parking.
6-Motor Skills
- Manual-Visual Coordination
- Guiding the vehicle while also monitoring road conditions.
- Operational controls include indicators, windscreen windshield wipers, and gear people who shift.
- Accurate operation of pedals (accelerator, brake, and clutch if needed).
- Easy manipulation of the steering wheel.
7-Gross Motor Abilities
- Upholding posture and bodily control while driving.
- Capability to rotate the head and trunk to inspect blind spots or operate the car in reverse.
8-Response Duration
Rapid reactions to sudden alterations include decelerating for a pedestrian or bypassing a roadblock.
Training Programs for Drivers with Down Syndrome
- Specialized driving schools offer customized instruction for individuals with Down syndrome.
- Non-Profit and Community Initiatives: Local Down syndrome support organizations may endorse reputable training programs.
- Digital and Simulation-Based Programs: Digital tools such as driving simulators and virtual reality applications facilitate the development of fundamental abilities.
Summary
Down syndrome management involves interprofessional collaboration, karyotyping, genetic consultation, and parental education. Despite increased life expectancy, patients have shorter life expectancies and treatment is symptomatic.
Read Also: Guillain-Barre Syndrome Life Expectancy
References
- Akhtar, F., & Bokhari, S. R. A. (2023). Down syndrome (Updated 2023, August 8). In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved January 2025, from.
- Gardiner, K., Herault, Y., Lott, I. T., Antonarakis, S. E., Reeves, R. H., & Dierssen, M. (2010). Down syndrome: from understanding the neurobiology to therapy. The Journal of Neuroscience, the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 30(45), 14943–14945.
- Asim, A., Kumar, A., Muthuswamy, S., Jain, S., & Agarwal, S. (2015). “Down syndrome: an insight of the disease“. Journal of Biomedical Science, 22(1), 41.
