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• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

• There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.   
• Addy has Trisomy 21. We think Little Man has Trisomy 21, however, due to his development he is going to be re-tested (we've never seen his genetic testing) to see if has translocation.
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• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.
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• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
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• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
• Addy has had multiple surgeries and hospitalizations in her seven-year life and has had multiple illnesses that have kept her from school. Little Man has been hospitalized once since he was born and has never had surgery.
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• A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
• Addy has the upward slant to the eyes, her left hand has the single palmar crease, her right does not. Little Man has the palmar crease on both hands. His eyes also have the upward slant, however, due to his ethnicity it is not as pronounced.
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• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
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• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
• Addy attends First Grade with her typical peers for 68% of her school week. She participates in our church's children program weekly and takes dance class with her typical peers.
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• All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
• Addy's IQ falls within the moderate range at this time. However, she has some amazing strengths. She is an excellent reader and is doing very well with her math skills. She follows directions well (when she chooses to) and participates to the best of her ability.
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• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
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- See more at: http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/#sthash.lpawuakO.dpuf