Continuing from yesterday's do's and don't's here I have outlined some facts and common myths about the Down syndrome condition.
MYTHS
People with Down's syndrome don't live very long.
FACTS
Today, people with Down's syndrome can look forward to a life of 60 years plus.
MYTHS
Only older mothers have babies with Down's syndrome.
FACTS
Although older mothers have a higher individual chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome, more are born to younger mothers, reflecting the higher birth rate in this group.
MYTHS
People with Down's syndrome cannot achieve normal life goals.
FACTS
With the right support, they can. The vast majority of people with Down's syndrome learn to walk and talk, and many are now attending mainstream schools, passing GCSEs and living full, semi-independent adult lives.
MYTHS
People with Down's syndrome all look the same.
FACTS
There are certain physical characteristics that can occur. People with Down's syndrome can have all of them or none. A person with Down's syndrome will always look more like his or her close family than someone else with the condition.
MYTHS
People with Down's syndrome are always happy and affectionate.
FACTS
We are all individuals and people with Down's syndrome are no different to anyone else in their character traits and varying moods.
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jennifer wrote...
Very nice article!
Thanks!
jennifer
Posted by: jennifer | July 24, 2007 2:29 PM