Physical Symptoms and Characteristics

There are many characteristics and physical symptoms of Down Syndrome typical of people with Down Syndrome. Several of these characteristics observed together in a baby alerts healthcare professionals to the possibility of the baby having Down Syndrome.The most common ones are (not in any particular order):

• Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
• Increased flexibility
• Head is small for age
flat facial profile
slightly flattened bridge of nose
Small nose

• Ears

small
lowset on the head
may fold over a bit at the top
small ear canals

• Eyes (upward slant of eyes)

small skinfolds on corners of eyes (epicanthal folds)
light spots on irises of eyes (Brushfield's Spots)






Can you tell which one of these children has Down Syndrome? Scroll down for the answer.

• Mouth

dental abnormalities
small mouth
low roof of mouth (palate)
tongue may appear large in relationship to the mouth
cleft lip and/or palate may also occur


• Hands

small, wide hands


a single crease across the palms (Simian crease) *see photo*
little (pinky) fingers curve inward



• Feet

wide, flat feet
short toes
larger than usual space between the first and second toes

• Short stature





That's a lot to take in, I know. Be assured that most children with Down Syndrome will not have all of these characteristics. Some you may not even notice until you read about them.

Some of these characteristics and physical symptoms of Down Syndrome can even be found in children who do not have Down Syndrome.

*Answer - the baby in the middle has Down Syndrome. Notice how his eyes have an almond shape and an upward slant.







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Consequences of Certain Physical Characteristics

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