Jad Issa, A Father Who Has Down Syndrome, Succeeded in Sending His Son to School to Be A Doctor.

While many people still look down on people with Down syndrome, Jad Issa, a Syrian father, is proving that with support, determination and passion, all limitations can be overcome. Many people may think that people with Down syndrome are limited in their ability to live their daily lives, let alone raise children. However, this inspiring story dispels the stigma and proves that love and determination can create miracles and that having Down syndrome is not an obstacle to living a meaningful life. But what exactly is Down syndrome?

Sader Issa - Image credits: saderissa

Getting to know Down's Syndrome

Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a genetic disorder caused by an abnormal cell division of chromosome 21, meaning they have an extra copy of chromosome 21, which means it contains a total of 47 chromosomes instead of 46. Patients usually have mild to moderate intellectual disability, growth retardation, and distinctive facial features. In general, Down syndrome does not run in families. The condition is caused by random abnormal cell division. This can happen during the development of sperm or egg cells, or during the early development of the baby in the womb.

Down syndrome can be caused by one of three types of genetic changes, such as:

• Trisomy 21. In about 95% of cases, Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21. This means that the person has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of the normal two. Trisomy 21 results from abnormal cell division during sperm or egg development.

• Mosaic Down syndrome. People with mosaic Down syndrome have a few cells with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This is caused by unusual cell division after the egg is fertilized by the sperm.

• Translocation Down syndrome. The person has the normal two copies of chromosome 21, but also has extra genetic material from chromosome 21 attached to another chromosome, also called a translocation. This can happen before or during fertilization.

Typical Symptoms of Down Syndrome

Each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual. Children and adults with Down syndrome have different facial and body features. Here are some of the more common features:

• Flat face and small nose with flat nose bridge

• Small head, short neck, small and round ears

• Tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth

• Eyelids slanted upwards with a fold of skin closing the inner corner of the eye

• Wide, small hands with one crease in the palm and short fingers

• Small feet with a space between the first and second toes

• Small white spots on the colored part of the eye called Brushfield spots

• Poor muscle tone in infancy

• Loose and overly flexible joints

Complications that may occur

While Down syndrome is best known as a genetic disorder that affects physical and intellectual development, the condition can also lead to several medical complications of varying severity. Here are some of the health problems that can affect people with Down syndrome:

• Congenital Heart Defects. Is the most common and major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Down syndrome, especially in the first 2 years of life.

• Digestive problems. Increased risk of developing digestive problems such as intestinal obstruction, heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or celiac disease.

• Immune system problems. People with Down syndrome have a higher risk of autoimmune diseases, some cancers, and infectious diseases such as pneumonia.

• Sleep apnea. Changes in the soft tissues and spine can lead to airway obstruction Spinal problems. The top two vertebrae in the neck may not be aligned, a condition called atlantoaxial instability.

• Leukemia. Young children with Down syndrome have a higher risk of developing leukemia.

• Alzheimer's disease. Having Down syndrome greatly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. In addition, dementia often occurs at a younger age than in the general population.

Life Expectancy

Healthcare for children and adults with Down syndrome has come a long way. Medical advances such as early detection, interventional therapies, and more effective treatments have improved their overall quality of life. With better care, children born with Down syndrome today have a longer life expectancy than previous generations.

Challenges & Stigma for People with Down Syndrome

People with Down syndrome still often face stigma and misunderstanding in society. Many consider them incapable of being independent or difficult to integrate into society. In fact, with the right education, support and equal opportunities, they can lead productive lives, work and even have successful careers. Changing this stigma requires greater understanding and acceptance from society so that people with Down syndrome can thrive without barriers. Jad Issa's story is living proof that stigma and limitations are not an obstacle to achieving something extraordinary.

Family Support & Role

Family support is key to the development of individuals with Down syndrome. A loving environment, appropriate education and early stimulation can help them reach their full potential. Parents, siblings and significant others play an important role in providing motivation and access to education, therapy and social opportunities. With strong support, people with Down syndrome can live independently, build skills and contribute to society.

This story teaches us that every individual, regardless of their condition, has great potential if given the opportunity and a supportive environment. But behind this story, we need to recognize that early identification and appropriate treatment play a large role in helping individuals with Down syndrome lead healthier and more productive lives. With prompt treatment, appropriate therapy, and family and community support, people with Down syndrome can have the best chance to thrive. Don't forget to have regular medical checkups and consult with your doctor about any health concerns. K-LAB Medical Center offers Down syndrome screening, namely Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), which is able to detect various chromosomal abnormalities. For more information, please contact our clinic WhatsApp at 081381367915.

Sumber Informasi 

1. NCBI – Down Syndrome 

2. Mayo Clinic – Down Syndrome 

3. Cleveland Clinic – Down Syndrome 

4. Liputan 6 – Kisah Inspiratif Ayah dengan Sown Syndrome Berhasil Besarkan Anaknya Menjadi Dokter