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Genetic conditions: Down’s syndrome
Down’s syndrome is a naturally occurring, congenital chromosomal disorder that has always been part of the human condition. It was first recognized as an entity in 1866, by Langdon Down (1828–1896), an English doctor working in Surrey, who first described the characteristics features of the syndrome. In most children with Down’s syndrome, the condition is recognized at or shortly after birth. In most cases, the doctor will be quite certain of the diagnosis on the basis of the child’s appearance alone.