Is Down’s Syndrome a Learning Disability?

In this article, we look at what Down’s syndrome is, what a learning disability is, and whether there is a link between the two.

What is Down’s syndrome?

Down’s syndrome is characterised as having a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21 and is sometimes referred to as Trisomy 21. It is one of the most common chromosomal conditions at birth.

The presentations of Down’s syndrome can vary drastically. Individuals with Down’s syndrome have mild to moderate intellectual disability, characteristic facial features, and may have treatable medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, low muscle tone, and low thyroid levels.

Many individuals with Down’s syndrome lead healthy and active lives. As our understanding of Down’s syndrome continues to grow, the clinical and social management of the condition improves – allowing many individuals to have jobs, relationships and even live independently.

Down’s syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition and affects approximately 1 in 1,000 births worldwide. This means that each year in the UK, around 700 babies are born with Down’s syndrome. In Trisomy 21 pregnancies, there is an increased risk for miscarriage or stillbirth.

(Source:  National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability has been defined by the Department of Health and Social Care as:

“A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information or to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning) which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development.”

(Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) (2001)).

What is the difference between a learning disability and a learning difficulty?

Having a learning disability is different from having a learning difficulty. A learning difficulty is a reduced intellectual ability that is limited to a specific form of learning. Learning difficulties include dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, a person with a learning disability can also have learning difficulties.

What is the link between Down’s syndrome and learning disability?

Down’s syndrome and learning disability are two closely linked conditions, as the presentations and severity of Down’s syndrome always include some degree of learning disability. The level of learning disability in people with Down’s syndrome varies from mild to moderate, and therefore individuals with Down’s syndrome often face challenges in learning and acquiring new skills.

People living with Down’s syndrome often experience cognitive delays, such as language development, memory, and problem-solving skills. This means that individuals with Down’s syndrome often struggle to learn at the same pace as their peers without Down’s syndrome.

Individuals with Down’s syndrome often benefit from early intervention programmes such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and special education. These programmes are designed to support individuals with Down’s syndrome with their cognitive and developmental needs.

Learning disabilities associated with Down’s syndrome do not disappear with age. However, many individuals with Down’s syndrome live happy and fulfilled lives. With appropriate support and interventions, many individuals living with Down’s syndrome can live independently.

How can I get Down’s syndrome screening during pregnancy?

A traditional screening test for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome is available at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy. Known as a ‘combined’ test, it comprises a blood test and an ultrasound scan.

The blood test looks at markers found in the blood that can indicate an increased chance of carrying a baby with a chromosomal disorder, while the ultrasound scan is used to determine something known as the ‘nuchal translucency’.

The results of both these tests, along with the age of the pregnant woman, determine the risk of carrying a foetus with Down’s, Edwards’ or Patau’s syndrome.

In the case of a high-risk result, the pregnant woman will be offered the chance to receive non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT), another screening test, or diagnostic testing.

Diagnostic testing typically involves amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). For amniocentesis, a long, thin needle is inserted into the abdomen to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for testing. For CVS, a needle is inserted into the womb to obtain a sample of cells from the placenta.

These tests will provide a definite answer as to whether or not the baby has Down’s, Edwards’ or Patau’s syndrome. However, both tests are invasive and carry a small risk of miscarriage.

For this reason, many pregnant women are choosing private NIPT screening, as it is non-invasive, and available to all expectant mothers irrespective of whether they were classified as high risk by the combined test.

For an AlphaBiolabs NIPT, all that’s required is a blood sample, which is collected from the mother’s arm. This makes the test 100% safe for mum and baby, with no risk of miscarriage.

The test uses next-generation sequencing to analyse cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) – fragments of the baby’s DNA that naturally circulate in mum’s bloodstream during pregnancy – and detect chromosomal abnormalities, including Down’s syndrome.