| Down Syndrome is a genetic chromosomal syndrome | | | | educated. However, educators and researchers have |
| affecting physical features and causing mental | | | | not been able to verify and document the full |
| retardation. Down Syndrome is caused by having an | | | | educational potential of Down Syndrome children. |
| extra third copy of chromosome 21. Down Syndrome | | | | Myth: Most people with Down Syndrome are |
| can be diagnosed prenatally in the womb during | | | | institutionalized. Truth: In recent years, Down |
| pregnancy using several different tests including | | | | Syndrome children are seen in the public together |
| ultrasound, amniocentesis and CVS. | | | | with the families, going about their educational, social |
| Diagnosis after birth can usually be done from | | | | and recreational activities. Some adults with Down |
| examining the baby's physical and facial features such | | | | Syndrome have also seen to work in café and |
| as: | | | | fast food chains. |
| # Flattened face # Snub nose # Flattened nasal | | | | Myth: Adult with Syndrome are unemployable. Truth: |
| bridge # Upward slanting eyes # Short neck # | | | | As society's acceptance and understanding towards |
| Enlarged and protruding tongue # Abnormally shaped | | | | adults with Down Syndrome children increases, |
| ears # Short stubby hands # Short stubby feet # | | | | businesses around the world are employing young |
| Infant not crying much | | | | adults with Down Syndrome for a variety of |
| Below are some of the major myths about Down | | | | positions. |
| Syndrome. Each myth is debunked with the truth | | | | Myth: Adults with Down Syndrome are unable to |
| concerning one specific aspect of Down Syndrome. | | | | form close interpersonal relationship leading to |
| Myth: Down Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. | | | | marriage. Truth: Many adults with Down Syndrome |
| Truth: One in every 800 to 1,000 birth is a child with | | | | are able to socialize and form ongoing relationship |
| Down Syndrome condition. This figures represents | | | | such as courtship and marriage. Although women with |
| approximately 5,000 births per year. | | | | Down Syndrome can have children, but the chances |
| Myth: Most children with Down Syndrome are born to | | | | of getting a Down Syndrome child is 50%. |
| older parents. Truth: 80% of children with Down | | | | Myth: People with Down Syndrome condition can |
| Syndrome are born to women under 35 years of | | | | never be cured. Truth: As the medical research |
| age. However, as the age of the parents increases, | | | | advances, it was identified that the gene on |
| so does the incidence of births of children with Down | | | | chromosome 21 is responsible for Down Syndrome. |
| Syndrome condition. | | | | Scientists believe that there is a possibility in the |
| Myth: Children with Down Syndrome are severely | | | | future to improve, correct and prevent the varies |
| retarded. Truth: Children with Down Syndrome have | | | | problems related to Down Syndrome. Read out Skin |
| an I.Q that falls between the mild to moderately | | | | problems . |
| retarded range. Children with Down Syndrome can be | | | | |