The Top Five Facts About Down Syndrome

Family/ Parenting - Caregiving

By: hsmatlock     18-Oct-2011

Browsing Family/ Parenting Lists

Introduction:

Down syndrome is a common genetic condition affecting over 300,000 Americans. With many misconceptions about Down syndrome, it is important for those who are expecting a child with Down syndrome and those who might be working with an individual with Down syndrome need to know.

It Is Down, Not Down's Syndrome

This might seem like a little thing, but is is really irksome for those who have children with Down syndrome. It is not Down's. The medical term is Trisomy 21, as it is an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. The term Down syndrome comes from Dr.John Langdon Down, who first described the syndrome in the 1800's.

Heart Conditions

It is a misconception that all children with Down syndrome have major heart defects. In reality it is only about 50%. Of those 50%, many are able to be corrected with modern day surgery, and the children go on to live very healthy lives.

Cognitive Delay

All children with Down syndrome have some degree of cognitive delay. This can effect their ability to function in a normal classroom at school, but many children with Down syndrome can have academic success and even go on to have jobs. Early Intervention has played a key role in the cognitive development in children with Down syndrome, and there are some drugs in development right now that might possibly reverse cognitive impairment. The moue models so far have been very hopeful.

Family Happiness

Many families are concerned that caring for a child with a disability like Down syndrome will have a negative impact on their family's happiness. A recent study by Boston Children's hospital says that is not true. 99% of adults with Down syndrome reported that they were happy with their lives. 88% of siblings of an individual with Down syndrome think that they are better people because of their sibling. 79% of parents say that their outlook on life is more positive because of their child with Down syndrome. Unfortunately, many doctors still try to convince parents to abort when they find out that the baby has Down syndrome. The current abortion rate for prenatal diagnosis in the U.S. is about 90%. Parents who choose termination report feelings of depression that last for years.

Loving But Stubborn

Children with Down syndrome can be very loving people, but they are also very stubborn. Individuals with Down syndrome have the same range and feeling of emotions as those who do not have that extra chromosome. Parents joke that the genes for love and stubbornness must be on 21, because they are amplified in their child.




Final Thoughts

October is Down syndrome Awareness month. The colors are blue and yellow.


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