What is it really like having a child with Ds?
There is no good answer to this question, because just as every "typical" child is unique so is each child with Down syndrome. Some are silly and some are serious. Some are loud and some are quiet. Just because your child has Ds, it does not mean that they fail to have any of your qualities. Children with Down syndrome develop like other children, but generally a little bit slower. It means you can hang on to those baby moments a little bit longer. It also means that your expectations need to be in-line with your child and not everybody else's children.
What about health concerns?
In general, children with Down syndrome come with additional health concerns, but with modern medicine many of our children lead very normal lives. We would encourage you to discover more information for this topic under our Resources link above. Every child is different, and we would be happy to discuss your individual concerns, but please realize that we are not medical professionals.
Can my child lead a normal life?
Absolutely! Societal and legislative advances make living a normal life much easier than it used to be for those with Down syndrome. Your child is entitled to a free public education that meets his/her particular needs. This means your child can go to school and be included with peers, but also get the proper therapies and educational services that will help him/her thrive. In adulthood, it is reasonable to expect you child to gain employment, live independently, and have a social life just like everyone else.
Down Syndrome Facts:
- Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.
- There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.
- Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
- The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
- People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
- A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.
- Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
- People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.
- All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
- Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.