POLITICAL correctness can often be misguided and sometimes unnecessary, however when it comes to shaping our views of people living with disability, it may have achieved the desired effect. Consider the phrase “wheelchair bound” as opposed to “requires a wheelchair to get around”. The first places that person into a neat but unkind pigeon hole, the second acknowledging the extra aid an individual may need to increase their independence and enjoyment of life.

Down’s syndrome, first described in 1866 by the doctor who gave his name to the condition, is a very similar scenario. With one in 1,000 babies born every year and 60,000 people currently on the national register, it is the commonest genetic condition in the United Kingdom and indeed worldwide.

Conception happens when a sperm and egg successfully join, then implant and grow inside a woman’s womb. Both of these have 23 chromosomes, so when they combine the total is 46. However, in Down’s syndrome, there is an extra chromosome 21, and the total becomes 47.

Chromosomes carry our genetic make-up, with the extra genetic material due to having three chromosome 21s resulting in the physical and mental characteristics of Down’s.

The only real risk factor identified for Down’s syndrome is increasing age of the mother. At 20, the risk is one in 1,500, but by the time a woman reaches 35, it is around one in 300.

If you have already had an affected child, Down’s syndrome affects one in 100 future pregnancies.

Down’s syndrome can be screened for during pregnancy, with a blood test and ultrasound scan of the baby.

If you are found to be high risk, tests to definitively diagnose the condition are offered. These involve taking a sample of either the placenta or the fluid surrounding the baby, known as the amniotic fluid, and may help in decisions about continuing the pregnancy.

CHILDREN born with Down’s syndrome have typical facial features, and unfortunately can suffer with many physical problems, including those affecting the eyes, ears nose and throat, heart, lungs and intestines.

It is also the most common cause of learning disability. However, it is impossible to predict at birth how a person with Down’s syndrome will fare, and indeed there is a massive spectrum with many individuals able to lead enjoyable, fulfilling lives. With improvements in healthcare, people with Down’s may live into their fifties and sixties with good quality of life.

With last week celebrating World Down’s Syndrome Day, several programmes have been aired both on radio and television.

One of these features Sarah Merriman, a 26-year-old who has successfully completed training in catering, appeared on the series “Kitchen Impossible” with celebrity chef Michael Roux Jr, and is now a waitress in a central London hotel.

Sarah’s own words are “I’m Sarah and I’m 26. And I’ve got Down’s syndrome. But that’s just part of me, I’m not a Down’s syndrome girl called Sarah… People don’t need to feel sorry for me… I am very happy.”

Useful websites:

www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

worlddownsyndromeday.org

www.nhs.uk/conditions/downs-syndrome/