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