Down syndrome All human beings are made up of cells. In each cell there is specific DNA that contains the genetic material that makes up a person. Genes are what is responsible for our appearance and traits. Naturally a cell is made up of 23 chromosomes. Whenever a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21; this individual will have Down syndrome. “It is this extra genetic material that causes the physical characteristics and developmental delays associated with DS.” ("Down Syndrome."). It can be inherited from one or both parents. However, this genetic mutation affects individuals equally; it can be at different extremes. Some are mildly affected, while life for other people could be extremely difficult and challenging. Down syndrome is a diverse disorder and affects all types of people, regardless of color or gender. They not only affect the mental aspects of an individual, but also his physical appearance. Everyday activities involve a struggle and challenge not only for the person diagnosed, but also for those involved. Down syndrome can be diagnosed and tested in two ways: prenatal screening tests and prenatal diagnostic tests. The screening test cannot completely tell whether your baby will have Down syndrome; this test only shows the probability that the fetus has it. If this test shows a probability of Down syndrome, a diagnostic test can be used to check for certainty whether or not the child will have Down syndrome. In the diagnostic process of prenatal screenings, there are several options. The first would be a blood test and an ultrasound, to be done during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is normally the most effective option while the pregnancy is still in the first trimester. During this, the... at the center of the article......Association for Down syndrome osaic. IMDSA and Web. May 16, 2014.Peoples, Susan J. Stars of Success: Understanding How Children with Down Syndrome Learn. 1st ed. Np: Special Offspring, LLC, 2013. Print. Pulsifer, Lisa. "Behavior of Down syndrome in children." EHow. Demand Media, October 20, 2009. Web. April 30, 2014."Recreation and friendship." NDSS. National Down Syndrome Society, 2012. Web. 01 May 2014. Selikowitz, Marco. Down syndrome: the facts. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1997. Print."Social Development for Down's". Social development for individuals with Down's. Down Syndrome Education International, 1996. Web. 01 May 2014."What are the common treatments for Down syndrome?" What are the common treatments for Down syndrome? NIH, April 9, 2014. Web. May 11, 2014."What is Down syndrome?" NDSS. National Down Syndrome Supply, 2012. Web. 28 April. 2014