Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska ran for Vice President of the United States in 2008. She had a baby with Down Syndrome which is also called Trisomy 21. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46 chromosomes. People with Down Syndrome have an extra number 21 chromosome for a total of 47. It happens in about 1 in 1,000 live births.
People with Down Syndrome look a special way. They usually have a face that is a little flatter and eyes that slant upward. They can also have difficulty learning, and certain medical problems such as a problem with their heart.
People with Down Syndrome can go to regular schools, have friends and have a job.
