| Myths
About Down Syndrome |
| Many
people do not understand some of the basic facts of Down syndrome
and instead hold beliefs about the condition based on common myths.
Educating yourself about the condition can help you to avoid the
limitations imposed by these myths. Knowing the facts can also
help you provide affected children with needed support, care, and
a better opportunity to grow and develop to his or her full potential. |
| MYTH |
FACT |
| People
with Down syndrome are severely retarded. |
Most
people with Down syndrome have mild to moderate below-normal intelligence.
Children with Down syndrome can learn, and like people who do not
have this condition, their potential is unknown. |
| The
problems associated with Down syndrome can never be improved, corrected,
or prevented. |
Although Down syndrome cannot be cured, research is making great strides in identifying the genes that cause the characteristics of this condition. Some scientists believe that it may become possible to improve, correct, or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future. |
| Children with Down syndrome must be placed in separate special education programs. |
Children with Down syndrome have been included in regular classrooms. In some instances, they are in the regular classroom for part of the day, attending special classes for other subjects. Many children stay in the regular classroom for all subjects, using an adapted curriculum. |
| People with Down syndrome are always happy. |
People with Down syndrome have feelings just like everyone else. They respond to friendliness, and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior. |
| Adults with Down syndrome cannot hold jobs. |
Adults
with Down syndrome can hold a variety of positions. Some people
can be competitively employed; others need a supportive work situation. |
| Down syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. |
Down syndrome occurs 1 in 733 births. |
| Most children with Down syndrome are born to older parents. |
Most (about 80%) of children born with Down syndrome are born to women younger than age 35. However, these women have an overall higher birth rate than those who are older. It is true that as a woman ages, her chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome becomes greater. |
| Most people with Down syndrome live in institutions. |
Most
children with Down syndrome live at home with their families and
are active in educational, social, and recreational activities
in their community. As adults, they may live in group homes and
other independent housing arrangements. |
| Parents have difficulty finding helpful resources to help them while raising a child with Down syndrome. |
Almost every community has parent support groups and other organizations directly involved in providing services to families affected by Down syndrome. |
| Adults
with Down syndrome are unable to form close relationships leading
to marriage. |
People with Down syndrome date, socialize, and form ongoing relationships. Some marry. Women with Down syndrome can and do have children, but there is a 50% chance that their children will also have this condition. |
Reprinted with the express consent
and approval of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Through
education, research, and advocacy, NDSS works to ensure that all
people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their
full potential. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-221-4602
or visit the organization's Web site at http://www.ndss.org. |
