In the human body we have 46 chromosomes or 2 sets of 23 . It's a common misconception among some people to think the more chromosomes you have the more evolved you are. Although from looking at other animals with more chromosomes we can tell that this isn't true. Butterflies for example have 380 chromosomes , Cows have 60 , and chickens have 78 . Although occasionally there is an error in human reproduction when either of the gametes (sperm or ovum) have an extra chromosome thus causing a human to be born with 47 chromosomes . This results in Down Syndrome or trisomy 21 . The chances of having a child with down syndrome range from 1% - 9% . The older you get the more of a chance you have of having a baby with ds. Individuals who have ds are at a higher risk of getting a medical disorder this is because white blood cells in the body travel at a slower rate then they should causing a weaker immune system.Because of this antibiotics may be prescribed sooner then they  would be for other patients . Because of a weaker immune system most individuals with ds end up getting Alzheimer’s disease in adult hood.Ds patients also have a higher risk of getting any of the following ;

            Congenital heart defects

Increased susceptibility to infection

Muscular/Skeletal abnormalities, including generally poor muscle tone

Respiratory problems

Obstructed digestive tracts

Infertile for males. Some females can have children.

Hearing deficits

Enlargement of tongue in relationship to size of mouth

Some ds patients have speech problems which do require therapy .Although one of the main differences about people that have ds is that they don't age the same socially , emotionally or intellectually as there peers.As they grow older the gap between them and there peers becomes more apparent and a change in the curriculum is necessary for them . Although there is a curriculum change for ds patients , many of them learn how to read , write , and do simple math problems. Many ds patients can be successful in school while others struggle.The average iq of someone with ds can range from 50-70 where as an “average” humans iq ranges from 90 -130 . Although through gene therapy ds patients iq can be increased up to 100 this is possible by inserting a gene.Aside from this ds patients also have some problems with motors skills although this can be addressed through therapy as well.Although ds patients are faced with more problems then the rest of us they can ultimately function a normal life . Some ds patients have even graduated from college .