Name: Archie Schulz
Age: 16
House: Skin
Designation: Down syndrome (trisomy 21) – 3 copies of Chromosome 21
Physical Traits:
Differences
Short stature – slow physical growth, shorter than average
Hypotonia (weak muscles) – less strength than average, weak abdominal muscles case stomach to stick out (stomach muscles normally strengthen gradually around age 2)
Brushfield spots – tissue buildup on the iris, does not affect vision
Irregular mouth and tongue shape – tongue may partially stick out, roof of mouth may be narrow and high with a downward curve.
Nasal bridge – looks pushed in
Arms and legs – short and stocky, may have wide space between the big and second toe
Ears – small and low-set
Teeth – irregular and crooked, come in late, not in normal order
Neck – short and wide neck with excess fat and skin (less obvious usually as the child gets older)
Transverse palmar crease (simian line) – single crease across the center of the palms of the hands
Eyes – upward slanting
Sutures – joints between the skull bones are separated
Similarities
Not all of the differences may be present in a person with Down syndrome at the same time. Most of the time, they look exactly the same as normal people. They can do things just like normal humans, but may be done slower than average.
Emotional/Mental Challenges: learning disabilities, low self-esteem, easily distracted, short attention span, hearing difficulties, articulation problems, impulsive behaviour, poor judgment
Daily Life: May need support from school and friends. Otherwise, similar to that of a normal person
Down syndrome Chromosomes
10
