The Myths and Truths about Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurringmoderately retarded range. Children with Down
genetic condition. One in every 800 to 1000 live birthsSyndrome can be educated. However, educators and
is a child with Down syndrome Down Syndrome is aresearchers have not been able to verify and
genetic chromosomal syndrome affecting physicaldocument the full educational potential of Down
features and causing mental retardation. DownSyndrome children.Myth: Most people with Down
Syndrome is caused by having an extra third copy ofSyndrome are institutionalized.Truth: In recent years,
chromosome 21. Down Syndrome can be diagnosedDown Syndrome children are seen in the public
prenatally in the womb during pregnancy using severaltogether with the families, going about their
different tests including ultrasound, amniocentesis andeducational, social and recreational activities. Some
CVS.Diagnosis after birth can usually be done fromadults with Down Syndrome have also seen to work
examining the baby's physical and facial features suchin café and fast food chains.Myth: Adult with
as:# Flattened face# Snub nose# Flattened nasalSyndrome are unemployable.Truth: As society's
bridge# Upward slanting eyes# Short neck# Enlargedacceptance and understanding towards adults with
and protruding tongue# Abnormally shaped ears#Down Syndrome children increases, businesses
Short stubby hands# Short stubby feet# Infant notaround the world are employing young adults with
crying muchBelow are some of the major mythsDown Syndrome for a variety of positions.Myth:
about Down Syndrome. Each myth is debunked withAdults with Down Syndrome are unable to form
the truth concerning one specific aspect of Downclose interpersonal relationship leading to
Syndrome.Myth: Down Syndrome is a rare geneticmarriage.Truth: Many adults with Down Syndrome are
disorder.Truth: One in every 800 to 1,000 birth is aable to socialize and form ongoing relationship such as
child with Down Syndrome condition. This figurescourtship and marriage. Although women with Down
represents approximately 5,000 births per year.Myth:Syndrome can have children, but the chances of
Most children with Down Syndrome are born to oldergetting a Down Syndrome child is 50%.Myth: People
parents.Truth: 80% of children with Down Syndromewith Down Syndrome condition can never be
are born to women under 35 years of age. However,cured.Truth: As the medical research advances, it
as the age of the parents increases, so does thewas identified that the gene on chromosome 21 is
incidence of births of children with Down Syndromeresponsible for Down Syndrome. Scientists believe
condition.Myth: Children with Down Syndrome arethat there is a possibility in the future to improve,
severely retarded.Truth: Children with Downcorrect and prevent the varies problems related to
Syndrome have an I.Q that falls between the mild toDown Syndrome.