Birth DefectsNo one is immune to birth defects, but not everyone is equally susceptible. Birth defects are not simply a medical problem. They have profound effects on the social and psychological well-being of family and friends. In the normal course of fetal development, cells migrate to their appropriate destination so that organs and limbs form where they should. Usually, genes work flawlessly, but errors can and do occur. Some of the most common birth defects arise from the interaction between one or two abnormal genes out of the 100,000 that make up who we are. This is caused by genes passed down from parents or the effects of drugs and alcohol on a newborn's fetus. Down syndrome, the most common genetic disorder formerly known as mongolism, "occurs in one person in every six hundred births worldwide" (Storm102). It is caused by a chromosomal error, where there is an extra chromosome 21. Instead of having two chromosomes like a normal individual, there are three. Characteristics of these children include slanted eyelids, depressed forehead, hearing loss, dental problems, poor speech development. , heart disease, and intestinal problems that require surgery. Parents feel very helpless and guilty in many of these and similar situations, feeling as if they are abnormal. However, most can learn to walk, talk, dress and eat. Special work programs are available that can help your child reach their educational level. Additionally, these work programs help alleviate the many stresses that affect parents. They no longer have to act alone. Tay Sachs disease is another selective genetic disease that destroys nerve cells. This causes mental retardation, loss of muscle control and death. Children who inherit an abnormal gene from both parents will inherit the disease. Carrier parents have one normal gene and one defective gene. Carriers of Tay-Sachs disease have no symptoms. “If two carriers have children, each child has a 25% chance of inheriting the defective gene (both parents)” (Strom 174). These children are unable to produce an enzyme that breaks down fats in the brain and nerve cells. The cells become clogged with fat and prevent the cells from functioning normally. Within three or four years their bodies die. Sandra vividly remembers how happy she was to have a little brother and how nice, h...... middle of paper...... we're wrong." Two hundred and fifty thousand children with birth defects of varying severity are born every year in the United States" ( Gravelle 6), it would be hard not to meet some of these people. In recent decades, many advances have been made to help understand the causes of such diseases with the hope of treatments and cures. Work has also been undertaken to find ways to help parents deal with their emotional devastation as much has been achieved. Parents are now finding ways to overcome anger and frustration and enjoy a loving relationship with their children. However, with greater knowledge of available information and treatment for drug addicts, families can get by. Caring for a child is a tough emotional and physical battle, but it should always be considered a gift, these children have so much to offer. Work Cited Dear, Jon. Different children. Toronto: The C. V. Mosby Company, 1982. Gardner, Suzy. Substance abuse during pregnancy: protecting the fetus and newborn. Norwich: UEA Norwich., 1992. Gravelle, Karen. Understanding birth defects. United States: Frankin Watts, 1990. Strom, Charles. Heredity and ability.USA: Plenum Press, 1990.