FAQ

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 800-1,000 live births is a child with Down syndrome, representing approximately 5,000 births per year in the United States alone. Today, Down syndrome affects more than 350,000 people in the United States. Eighty percent of children born with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35 years old. However, as a woman ages, her chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome becomes greater.

Yes, businesses are seeking young adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are being employed in small and medium sized offices by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, and in the computer industry. People with Down syndrome bring to their jobs enthusiasm, reliability and dedication.

People with Down syndrome have a wide range of feelings just like everyone else. They respond to positive expressions of friendship, and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior.

Children with Down syndrome have been included in typical academic classrooms in schools across the country. In some instances they are integrated into specific courses, while in other situations students are fully included in the regular classroom for all subjects. The degree of mainstreaming is based on the abilities of the individual; but the trend is for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community.

The medical name for Down syndrome is Trisomy 21. Down syndrome occurs at conception and is not because of something the mother did during pregnancy at all. It is a random occurrence. It does not matter race, religion, socio-economic level, etc. Back to Questions

It is stated that 95% of all cases is caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction. Few cases are caused by two other chromosomal abnormalities: mosaicism and translocation. The additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Back to Questions

The diagnosis of Down syndrome is usually picked up soon after the birth of the baby because of the way it looks. There are many physical characteristics associated with the condition, which may lead a parent, or medical professional to suspect that the baby has Down syndrome. Many of these features are found in the general population. Therefore a chromosome test would need to be done on the baby before a positive diagnosis could be made. Taking blood from the baby and then analyzing the chromosomes does this. The result is called a karyotype. Back to Questions

Actually, 85% of children born with Down syndrome are to mothers under the age of 35 years of age. The reason the greater risk over age of 35 is because the statistics are higher in that age group because there are not as many women having babies over the age of 35 years of age. Back to Questions

Down syndrome affects each child differently just like each typical child develops differently . Each child has their strengths and weaknesses in different areas.Back to Questions

Becoming involved in a support group allows you the opportunity to fellowship get resources and get questions answered by people that are in similar situations. There is nothing better than being surrounded by people that understand what you are going through. We encourage everyone to attend a support group. Back to Questions

Down syndrome Federation of India, is a parent support group started by Dr. Surekha Ramachandran in order to help persons with Down syndrome and their families to come to terms with Down syndrome and help them lead a more independent life.

Currently, there is no cure for Down syndrome. However, researchers are exploring a number of ways to address and correct many aspects of the syndrome.

Researchers have used mouse models to test treatments for preventing the intellectual and developmental disabilities associated with Down syndrome. One study found that mice with Down syndrome who were treated in the womb with specific chemicals had no delay in achieving several developmental milestones.1 Another study found that specific chemicals prevented learning deficits in adult mice who had Down syndrome.2

In foreign countries, more and more youth and young adults with Down syndrome are achieving some of the same milestones as other young people, such as driving a car and finishing high school. As they start to live more independently, young people with Down syndrome get jobs, move into group homes or individual housing, or pursue further education, often at community colleges. Families may need to be advocates to ensure that their young adult children don’t “fall through the cracks.” Sometimes, young people with Down syndrome in the midst of these transitions start to do worse in school or undergo major mood changes. In these cases, additional school assistance or evaluation for hypothyroidism or depression may be appropriate.

Many adolescents and adults with Down syndrome find success in jobs. When considering whether their child with Down syndrome might be ready to look for work, parents should keep several factors in mind: Success depends on a healthy sense of self-esteem, the ability to complete tasks without help, a willingness to separate emotionally from family, and access to personal recreational activities.

Adolescents often switch from care by a pediatrician to adult care, and this change can be difficult for young people with Down syndrome. Families and young people with Down syndrome often have strong bonds of trust with their pediatricians, and adult health care providers may be poorly prepared to meet the needs of maturing patients with Down syndrome. Individuals who receive care at special Down syndrome clinics that provide lifelong care might prefer to stay with the providers at these clinics as adults.

Teenagers with Down syndrome undergo hormonal changes like any other teen. Parents should encourage their teenagers with Down syndrome to develop independent skills in hygiene and self-care, to be aware of privacy issues, and to manage their behavior appropriately. Teenagers with Down syndrome also should be educated about puberty, sexuality, sexual activity, and the consequences of such activity. Males with Down syndrome generally have a reduced sperm count and are usually unable to father children. In contrast, females with Down syndrome have regular menstrual periods and can get pregnant and carry a baby to term. Therefore, health care providers and families should consider having discussions with their teens with Down syndrome about birth control and preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased substantially in the last few decades, to an average age of 50 years and beyond. In addition to living longer, people with Down syndrome now live fuller, richer lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their community. Many adults with Down syndrome form meaningful relationships and eventually marry. Now that people with Down syndrome are living longer, the needs of adults with Down syndrome are receiving greater attention. With assistance from family and caretakers, many adults with Down syndrome have developed the skills required to hold jobs and to live independently well into later adult life.

Increased life expectancy in individuals with Down syndrome puts them at risk as they age for developing mental health issues, such as depression. Death of parents, changes in caregivers, and medical issues often contribute to such changes in mental health. Individuals with Down syndrome seem to respond well to treatment with medication, but it is important that they follow instructions for taking these medications closely.6

Premature aging is a characteristic of adults with Down syndrome, as is dementia, memory loss, and impaired judgment similar to that occurring in individuals with Alzheimer disease.6 Although much has been learned about Alzheimer disease as it affects individuals with Down syndrome, effective treatments and diagnostic tools that can identify early stages of dementia or the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment are still needed. Currently, changes in behavior may be the best indicators of dementia in people with Down syndrome. Families should look for associations between the type of behavior, how often the behavior occurs, when the behavior occurs, and the persistence of specific behaviors as a way to check for dementia and memory loss in a person with Down syndrome.6,7 Family members and caretakers may need to step in if the individual begins to lose the skills required for independent living.

Other medical issues associated with aging in individuals with Down syndrome include high cholesterol (which can be treated with medications), obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cataracts and other visual problems, and early menopause. In contrast, individuals with Down syndrome appear to be "protected" from certain diseases that are common in the elderly: they do not develop hardening of the arteries; they have fewer solid tumor cancers (for example, breast cancer), and they have low blood pressure.

Longitudinal studies of aging in Down syndrome (some ongoing for more than 25 years) reveal that healthy aging occurs in most individuals with Down syndrome if they continue to receive routine medical care and attention to their special needs.

Down syndrome gets its name from the British doctor, John Langdon Down, who first clinically identified the condition in 1866. The actual chromosomal nature of Down syndrome did not become documented until 1959 by Dr. Lejeune. However, Down’s name remains associated with condition.

Also, though the term has nothing whatever to do with the physical direction "down", Ann Fortis who has Down syndrome has coined the term "Up Syndrome" to provide a different perspective on the condition.

Down syndrome gets its name from the British doctor, John Langdon Down, who first clinically identified the condition in 1866. The actual chromosomal nature of Down syndrome did not become documented until 1959 by Dr. Lejeune. However, Down’s name remains associated with condition.

We don't know what causes the extra 21st chromosome. We know that the extra 21st chromosome causes an extra dose of some proteins. Those proteins cause the typical features of Down syndrome. We don't know most of the proteins involved and how they cause Down syndrome. We do know there is an association between a mother's age and the chances of having a baby with Down syndrome. No causes have been identified and proven, however.

About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21, ie. 3 instead of 2 number 21 chromosomes. We normally have 23 pairs of chromosomes, each made up of genes. During the formation of the egg (or the sperm) a woman's (or a man's) pair of chromosomes normally split so that only one chromosome is in each egg (or sperm). In Trisomy 21, or nondisjunction, the twenty-first chromosome pair does not split and a double-dose goes to the egg (or sperm). It is estimated that 95-97% of the extra chromosome is of maternal origin.

The second type of Down syndrome is known as translocation. It occurs in about 3-4% of people with Down syndrome. In this type, an extra part of the twenty-first chromosome gets stuck onto another chromosome. In about half of these situations, one parent carries the extra twenty-first chromosome material in a "balanced", or hidden, form.

The third type of Down syndrome is called mosaicism. In mosaicism, the person with Down syndrome has an extra twenty-first chromosome in only some of the cells but not all of them. The other cells have the usual pair of twenty-first chromosomes. One to 2 percent of people with Down syndrome have this type. (Cooley & Graham, 1991)

The incidence of Down syndrome has been variously reported as 1 in 800 live births to 1 in 1,100 live births. A recent puts the incidence at about 1 in 1,000. There is no association between Down syndrome and any given culture, ethnic group, socioeconomic status or geographic region.

In the usual circumstance, the chances depend upon the age of the mother. The odds of having a child with Down syndrome at age 35 are approximately 1 in 350. Under age 25, the odds are about 1 in 1400 and at age 40 the odds are about 1 in 100.

The chances of a parent of a child with Trisomy 21 having another child with Down syndrome are approximately 1 in 100. If the child has a translocation, the recurrence risk can be as high as 100% or as low as 2%. Parents of children with translocation type of Down syndrome should have chromosome analysis to detect a carrier state.

Until recently, the answer was to offer amniocentesis to all pregnant women age 35 or older and to those women who had a previous child with Down syndrome. Now some doctors reccommend screening tests for all pregnancies.

Tests are of two types- diagnostic and screening. Diagnostic tests sample fetal cells and give a definitive diagnosis. Screening tests are relatively simple tests that find most of the fetuses with Down syndrome, but they also find some without. Screening tests need to be confirmed by a diagnostic test.

Diagnostic tests are amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). With amniocentesis a needle is passed through the mother's belly into the womb to sample fetal cells in the amniotic fluid. These cells are then sent for chromosome analysis. Ultrasound is used to safely pass the needle. The test is usually done between 14 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. Although fairly safe there is a small risk of miscarriage. CVS samples cells from the chorionic villi, a structure in the womb that has fetal cells but is not the fetus. It is done between 9 and 12 weeks. It also has similar risks.

Screening tests include maternal alpha-fetoprotein and, more recently, the triple test. Ultrasound is not usually used as a screening test but has been investigated. It is done in conjunction with amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. The maternal alpha-fetoprotein test was initially devised to screen for neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. A low level of alpha-fetoprotein is correlated with Down syndrome and some other chromosome disorders. The test is estimated to detect approximately 35% of fetuses with Down syndrome after confirmation by amniocentesis.

The triple test measures a mother's blood levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and unconjugated estriol. The three results are adjusted by a computer program to give an estimate of the risk of having a fetus with Down syndrome. Studies so far suggest a detection rate of 55-60% after confirmation by amniocentesis.(Haddow, Palomaki, Knight, Williams, Pulkkinen, Canick, et al., 1992) Because the accuracy of all of the serum tests depends on accurately knowing the number of weeks of pregnancy, a positive test should have an ultrasound done to confirm the due date of the pregnancy. If the adjusted test results are still positive, then either amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling should be done.

Besides the medical issues involved, there are obvious ethical issues involved. The results of the testing are most likely used for one of two purposes. The couple may use the information to decide whether or not to have an abortion or the information may be used to prepare for the delivery. Although groups recommending routine use of the blood tests also recommend counseling, they do not specifically address the type of counseling. Counseling should expose the couple to all information and, in my opinion, should include contact either with families who have a child with Down syndrome and/or with people with Down syndrome.

No. Although the risk of Down syndrome increases with age, a child with Down syndrome can be born to a mother at any age. Although only 5-8% of pregnancies occur in women over the age of 35, they account for 20% of Down syndrome births. Therefore, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women who are less than 35 years of age.

No. Although the risk of Down syndrome increases with age, a child with Down syndrome can be born to a mother at any age. Although only 5-8% of pregnancies occur in women over the age of 35, they account for 20% of Down syndrome births. Therefore, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women who are less than 35 years of age.

No. Although the risk of Down syndrome increases with age, a child with Down syndrome can be born to a mother at any age. Although only 5-8% of pregnancies occur in women over the age of 35, they account for 20% of Down syndrome births. Therefore, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women who are less than 35 years of age.

No. Although the risk of Down syndrome increases with age, a child with Down syndrome can be born to a mother at any age. Although only 5-8% of pregnancies occur in women over the age of 35, they account for 20% of Down syndrome births. Therefore, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women who are less than 35 years of age.

No, Down syndrome is not a disease, it is a chromosomal condition. People are born with Down syndrome, no one can “catch it” later in life.

No, there is not a vaccine to prevent or cure Down syndrome. However, medical advances have lessened the impact of medical conditions, while early intervention, therapy, education, and support from family and friends, assist the person in leading a productive life.

Most of the time, Down syndrome isn't inherited. It's caused when Chromosome 21 does not separate normally in cell division during the development of the egg, sperm or embryo.

Translocation Down syndrome is the only form of the disorder that can be passed from parent to child. However, only about 4 percent of children with Down syndrome have translocation. And only about half of these children inherited it from one of their parents.

When translocations are inherited, the mother or father is a balanced carrier of the translocation, which means he or she has some rearranged genetic material, but no extra genetic material. A balanced carrier has no signs or symptoms of Down syndrome, but he or she can pass the translocation on to children.

Once the life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome was under 25. Due to an increased understanding of Down syndrome and advances in medical care the current life expectancy for a child born with Down syndrome is 60.

The diagnosis of Down syndrome is based on the presence of an extra 21st chromosome on a karyotype.

A karyotype is simply a picture of a person's chromosomes. In order to get this picture of the chromosomes, a sample is taken, the chromosome are isolated, stained, and photographed, typically during cell division when the chromosomes are highly visible. A geneticist cut up and arranges the chromosomes from the picture, matching up the pairs and organizing them in rows so that they can be clearly visualized. Depending on the type of staining and imaging used, varying levels of detail are visible. A karyotype can be made from the cell of an adult, a child, or from cells taken from a fetus for the purpose of diagnostic testing.

Below is a picture of a karyotype of a male with Down syndrome. You can note the presence of an extra chromosome 21.

About 40 percent to 50 percent of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects. Some defects are minor and may be treated with medications, while others may require surgery. All babies with Down syndrome should be examined by a pediatric cardiologist, a physician who specializes in heart diseases of children, and have an echocardiogram (a procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor that produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves) in the first two months of life, so that any heart defects can be treated.

About 10 percent of babies with Down syndrome are born with intestinal malformations that require surgery.

Children with Down syndrome are at increased risk for visual or hearing impairment. Common visual problems include crossed eyes, near- or farsightedness, and cataracts. Most visual problems can be improved with glasses, surgery, or other treatments. A pediatric ophthalmologist (a physician who specializes in comprehensive eye care and provides examinations, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of eye disorders) should be consulted within the first year of life.

Children with Down syndrome may have hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear, a nerve defect, or both. All children with Down syndrome should have regular vision and hearing examinations so any problems can be treated before they hinder development of language and other skills.

Children with Down syndrome are at increased risk of thyroid problems and leukemia. They also tend to have many colds, as well as bronchitis and pneumonia. Children with Down syndrome should receive regular medical care including childhood immunizations. The National Down syndrome Congress publishes a "Preventative Medicine Checklist" which outlines which checkups and medical tests are recommended at various ages.

The degree of mental retardation that accompanies Down syndrome varies widely, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. However, most mental retardation falls within the mild to moderate range. There is no way to predict the mental development of a child with Down syndrome based on physical features.

The degree of mental retardation that accompanies Down syndrome varies widely, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. However, most mental retardation falls within the mild to moderate range. There is no way to predict the mental development of a child with Down syndrome based on physical features.

In general, for women under 40 (after having one child with Down syndrome), the chance of having another baby with Down syndrome is 1 percent. The chance for Down syndrome is also known to increase with the mother's age and, after age 40, a mother would simply have the risk based on her age at delivery.

It is important to know that about 80 percent of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35. This is due to the fact that women under 35 have more babies than women over 35. Your physician may refer you to a geneticist or genetic counselor who can explain the results of chromosomal tests in detail, including what the recurrence risks may be in another pregnancy and what tests are available to diagnose chromosome problems before a baby is born.

Investigations are on as to why errors in chromosome division occur, in the hope of someday preventing Down syndrome and other birth defects caused by abnormalities in the number or structure of chromosomes. Other researchers are seeking to improve the outlook for children with Down syndrome. One example of this includes developing improved language intervention programs to help these children communicate more easily.

Children with Down syndrome can and have been included into a regular classroom.

They can be integrated into specific courses, while in other situations students are fully included in the regular classroom for all subjects. The current demand has been for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community. Increasingly, individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with regular diplomas, participate in post-secondary academic and college experiences and, in some cases, receive college degrees.

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory issues, hearing problems, vision problems, gastrointestinal and digestive problems, sleep apnea, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory issues, hearing problems, vision problems, gastrointestinal and digestive problems, sleep apnea, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these conditions to different degrees or not at all

Each person is unique and develops at their own pace. As children develop (as opposed to physical growth) they will be able to perform more complex tasks. Areas of development are

Gross motor: using large groups of muscles to sit, stand, walk, run, etc., keeping balance, and changing positions. Fine motor: using hands to be able to eat, draw, dress, play, write, and do many other things. Language: speaking, using body language and gestures, communicating, and understanding what others say. Cognitive: Thinking skills: including learning, understanding, problem-solving, reasoning, and remembering. Social: Interacting with others, having relationships with family, friends, and teachers, cooperating, and responding to the feelings of others.

Developmental milestones are a set of skills or tasks that are usually able to be performed at a certain age. Your pediatrician may use milestones to determine how your child is developing.

Children with Down syndrome will typically have a developmental delay, meaning they will not reach developmental milestones as quickly as their “typically developing” pears. However, every child is unique and develops at their own pace.

Development may be enhanced by early intervention, therapy, and most importantly by supportive family and friends.

Like all people, people with Down syndrome learn at their own rate and in their own way.

The impact of having an intellectual disability varies considerably, just as the range of abilities varies considerably among all people. Most people with Down syndrome with have an intellectual disability in the mild to moderate range.

Like all people, people with Down syndrome can socialize, have close meaningful friendships, date, and marry.

Infertility and miscarriage is greatly increased in women with Down syndrome, but it is still possible for them to have children. The likely hood of them having a child with Down syndrome is approximately 50%.

There are only a handful of documented cases of a male with Down syndrome fathering a child.

People with Down syndrome attend schools, live independently, make decisions that affect them, work, volunteer and contribute to society in many ways.

No. People with Down syndrome have the same range of feelings, emotions, and moods as everyone else.

The Jaguar Children (Were-Jaguar), depicted in the carving and art work of the Olmec civilization (1500 BCE – 400 BCE), have many physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome. The Jaguar Children were said to be the result of the birth of a child with an Olmec mother and a jaguar (regarded as a deity) father. These near deity Jaguar Children held a special place in the Olmec culture.

Also, the painting The Adoration of the Christ Child, circa 1515, by an unknown Flemish artist, shows one of the angelic figures next to Mary, and a shepherd standing one row back, having many of the physical characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

The first clinical descriptions of the condition appear in the 1830s by Jean Etienne Dominique Esquirol (France) and Edouard Seguin (France).

Dr. John Langdon Down (United Kingdom), for whom Down syndrome is named, published a report in 1866 in that linked a set of physical characteristics to decreased intellectual ability and lumped it together as a syndrome.

The 1930s saw a Dutch ophthalmologist named Dr. Waardenburg promote the idea that genetics might contribute to Down syndrome, and Adrian Bleyer (United States), suggested the possibility that Down syndrome was due to the triplication, called a trisomy, of a chromosome.

Working independently Patricia Jacobs (United Kingdom) and Jerome Lejeune (France) reported an extra 21st chromosome in the DNA of people with Down syndrome almost simultaneously in 1959.

In 1960 Dr. Paul Polani discovered some instances of Down syndrome were associated with the translocation of the 21st chromosome.

In 1961 Dr. Clarke reported the first case of Mosaic Down syndrome.

Many medical conditions and diseases have been named after a person; this type of name is called an eponym. There has been a long-standing debate in the scientific community over whether or not to add the possessive form to the names of eponyms.

You may see both the spelling of Down’s syndrome or Down syndrome. In the United States the spelling Down syndrome is preferred since Dr. Down neither had nor owned the syndrome.

The “s” in syndrome is not capitalized.

It is preferred to use people first language. For example, you should not use “a Down syndrome child” or a “Down child”, instead use “A child with Down syndrome."

A person does not suffer from, nor are they afflicted with, a victim of, nor diseased with, Down syndrome. They simply have Down syndrome.

While “mental retardation” may be clinically accepted, it is not socially acceptable to use the word “retarded” in any context that may be derogatory. It is preferred to use the term “intellectual disability”. “You are a retard,” or “That’s retarded,” is insensitive and suggests that a person with an intellectual disability is not capable.

It is important to remember that while children and adults with Down syndrome experience developmental delays, they also have many talents and gifts and should be given the opportunity and encouragement to develop them.

Most children with Down syndrome have mild to moderate impairments but it is important to note that they are more like other children than they are different. Early Intervention services should be provided shortly after birth. These services should include physical, speech and developmental therapies. Most children attend their neighborhood schools, some in regular classes and others in special education classes. Some children have more significant needs and require a more specialized program. Some high school graduates with Down syndrome participate in post-secondary education. Many adults with Down syndrome are capable of working in the community, but some require a more structured environment.

No, people with Down syndrome do not have a particular personality type. People with Down syndrome are individuals. However, people with Down syndrome are more likely to use certain coping strategies. For example, it is common for people with Down syndrome to use routine, order and sameness as a way of rationalising and controlling their lives. Similarly, people with Down syndrome may also use self-talk as a way of directing their behaviour, expressing their feelings and making sense of what is sometimes a very confusing world. Change can be very disorientating especially if you have a learning disability.In the past, people with Down syndrome have sometimes been portrayed as being stubborn. Stubbornness and a refusal to co-operate may be a signal from the individual that they do not fully understand what is expected of them. Stubbornness can also be symptomatic of an individual trying to exert control over their lives. The best way to help someone is to try and find out from him or her what the problem is.

People with Down syndrome have the right to have personal and sexual relationships, and to get married. The DSA knows of a number of happily married couples where one or both partners have Down syndrome. It is important that young people with Down syndrome receive education in the area of relationships and sexuality. As in other areas of learning, they may need more support with this than some of their peers.

Both women and men with Down syndrome can be fertile, although both sexes have a reduced fertility rate. They therefore need advice on, and access to, contraception.

People with Down syndrome need careful and sensitive advice about having children, as there are a number of issues to consider. Some people with learning disabilities can successfully parent their children, given the right support. However, many couples with learning disabilities decide for themselves not to have children because of the responsibility and hard work involved, or for financial reasons.

Where one parent has Down syndrome, there is a 35% to 50% chance that the child would inherit the syndrome. This chance is even higher where both parents have Down syndrome.

There is also a high chance that pregnancy would end in miscarriage. Women with Down syndrome are also more likely than other women to have a premature baby, or to need a caesarian section.

Down syndrome is not a disease and therefore people with Down syndrome do not suffer nor are they victims of their condition.

Down syndrome is only a part of the person, they should not be referred to as “a Down”. People with Down syndrome are all unique individuals and should be acknowledged as a person first and foremost.

It is important to think of the person first, e.g. “John is 29 and he has Down syndrome”.

For 40 years the Down syndrome Association, has worked hard to improve knowledge and understanding about people with Down syndrome amongst the general public. We believe that this is the key to society recognising the value and contribution children and adults with Down syndrome make to our communities. We provide information, counselling, support and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, their families/carers and professionals. We champion the rights of people with Down syndrome to help ensure they have the support opportunities they need to live lives of their own choosing.

Fact or fiction? Children with Down syndrome are only born to older parents. Fiction. 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35. However, the likelihood of having a child with Down syndrome does increase with the age of the mother.

Fact or fiction? People with Down syndrome are always happy. Fiction. People with Down syndrome have the same feelings and moods as everyone else.

Fact or fiction? People with Down syndrome cannot form relationships. Fiction. People with Down syndrome are perfectly capable of forming all types of relationships with people they encounter in their lives, be it friendship, love or a dislike of someone.

Fact or fiction? Men and women with Down syndrome can have children. Fact. Women with Down syndrome can and have had children. It has been recorded that two men with Down syndrome have been fathers. The information about fertility in people with Down syndrome is very outdated and based on research in institutions where men and women with leaning disabilities were kept apart.

Fact or fiction? All people with Down syndrome will eventually develop Alzheimer’s disease (dementia). Fiction. Although many people with Down syndrome do develop dementia in their later years, this is by no means inevitable. Research indicates that the incidence of dementia in people with Down syndrome is similar to that of the general population only that it occurs 20-30 years earlier.

Individuals with Down syndrome are becoming increasingly integrated into society and community organizations, such as school, health care systems, work forces, and social and recreational activities. Individuals with Down syndrome possess varying degrees of cognitive delays, from very mild to severe. Most people with Down syndrome have cognitive delays that are mild to moderate.

Due to advances in medical technology, individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. In 1910, children with Down syndrome were expected to survive to age nine. With the discovery of antibiotics, the average survival age increased to 19 or 20. Now, with recent advancements in clinical treatment, most particularly corrective heart surgeries, as many as 80% of adults with Down syndrome reach age 60, and many live even longer. More and more Americans are interacting with individuals with Down syndrome, increasing the need for widespread public education and acceptance.

My child is currently in regular school and likes it. The school, however, is saying that she should be in a special school. What are your thoughts/experiences with mainstream school vs special schools?

The advice of most people on our Facebook page was to let your child to stay in mainstream school. If he or she is truly happy there, then it is best to do what your child is going to most enjoy. You know your child better than anyone else, and know where he or she will thrive. If it does end up being too difficult, however, then it may be time to make a switch.

Never put limits on what your child can do. Never assume that your child can't handle something. It is very likely that he or she will exceed all expectations.

Children with Down syndrome can usually do most things that any young child can do, such as walking, talking, dressing, and being toilet trained. However, they generally do these things later than other children. The exact age that these developmental milestones will be achieved cannot be predicted. However, early intervention programs, beginning in infancy, can help these children achieve their individual potential.