Individuals with Down syndrome appear to look the same. However, there may be
specific unique physical attributes of such persons, plus they may either have none or all of
the characteristics. Even so, people with Down Syndrome are never an exception or a special
case, the reason being they have a variety of talents, interests, and needs. As they get older,
they are susceptible to mental health disorders such as personality disorders, despair or low-
spirits, obsessive-compulsive disorder, including paranoia/nervousness. As portrayed by
different journals, figures reveal that, despite being the most prevalent chromosomal disorder,
Down syndrome remains the least funded or supported genetic condition by the National
Institutes of Health of the United States of America. As a result, there is very little research
and information on Down syndrome. In this context, we shall take a close look at the subject
matter, the development of the continuum that arises, and the possible solutions to the
problems.
To start with, down syndrome is indeed a genetic syndrome that affects life-long
growth. The condition is associated with one having an extra copy of their 21st chromosomes
(Trisomy 21). Still, persons with Down syndrome exhibit behavioural and cognitive
deficiencies from birth, despite the populace's potential or capability that cannot be predicted
ahead of time. Likewise, the individuals are vulnerable and or susceptible to autism, celiac
disease, sleep apnoea, and congenital heart diseases. The physical traits of persons with
Down Syndrome include, but are not limited to, up-slanting eyes, stunted growth, slender
hands and legs, tiny white spots on the iris, protruding tongue, low muscle mass, short neck,
small ears, including the round face (Bush & Tasse, 2017). In particular, the estimated
longevity or lifespan of persons with Down Syndrome is nearly 60 years.
Nevertheless, some people have already surpassed the age limit by living up to the
age of 80. Interventions have been established to raise awareness about the disorder in the U.
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S., albeit some drawbacks cannot be disregarded. Therefore, it is necessary to adequately
understand the condition, specifically in adults, as well as to ensure that early interventions
are put in place to improve the quality of life of the affected individuals.
The key issues to address when evaluating or characterizing Down syndrome in adults
include associated developmental disabilities, symptoms, risk factors, disease-related
obstacles, risks, and prevention. An adult with this condition is likely to have impaired
language with a short memory capacity. It influences people's speech and can discourage
them from voicing or expressing themselves if need be (Kinnear et al., 2018. Surprisingly,
individuals with this condition are likely to transfer this condition to their offspring when
giving birth. Both sexes, male and female, are the carriers of passing down the genetic
translocation for the down syndrome to their children.
It is also understood that people with the defect experience several complications,
some of which become more prominent as they grow older. Moreover, the United States'
medical community has not yet found a way to deal with the pre-existing society's perception
of those with Down syndrome. This has become an obstacle leading to insufficient medical
aid, advice, and treatment. However, with the severity of health problems in the Down
syndrome sickening person, life expectancy is expected to decrease. And this calls for
empowerment, encouraging persons with the disorder to have regular preventive treatment
while seeking to live a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to the problems relating to Down syndrome in adults and its causes,
alternative remedies to the disorder exist. Of course, everybody has feelings and emotions,
and when it comes to fulfilment, individuals with the condition are not excluded. One
exemplary group dedicated to ensuring that people with Down syndrome are not exempted
from the rest is the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. The group has helped to put in place
steps to help address popular misconceptions associated with this condition. Ideally, the
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organization has sponsored research that explores the disorder, which has helped increase
understanding in the global society. Despite studies demonstrating that a growing number of
people with Down syndrome in the United States of America live alone with limited family
involvement in one way or another, they have not been left out. One possible solution that has
been identified is the opening up more opportunities for jobs and education to people.
On top of that, they are allowed to demonstrate their ability to provide programs on
the employment landscape. It is also essential that people with Down syndrome receive
educational, social, and job opportunities, including functional and integrated life skills. The
application of the different solutions will enable adults to better their schooling through skill-
building while seeking to improve independent living (Tomaszewski et al., 2018). The United
States Government and the scientific community could also stay abreast of recent data on
Down Syndrome and ensure that measures are well taken when implementing policies.
In summary, Down syndrome in adults is a significant factor to be identified and put
in place by the National Institutes of Health and the Federal Government agencies as it comes
without a price tag. This suggests that alternative solutions to these problems are expected to
solve adult conditions' essential issues further.
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References
Bush, K. L., & Tassé, M. J. (2017). Employment and choice-making for adults with
intellectual disability, autism, and down syndrome. Research in developmental
disabilities, 65, 23-34.
Kinnear, D., Morrison, J., Allan, L., Henderson, A., Smiley, E., & Cooper, S. A. (2018).
Prevalence of physical conditions and multimorbidity in a cohort of adults with
intellectual disabilities with and without Down syndrome: cross-sectional study. BMJ
open, 8(2), e018292.
Tomaszewski, B., Fidler, D., Talapatra, D., & Riley, K. (2018). Adaptive behaviour,
executive function and employment in adults with Down syndrome. Journal of
Intellectual Disability