The Face of Down Syndrome Physical Characteristics - If a child has 6 to 10 of the physical traits, the doctor can tentatively diagnose Down syndrome with some degree of certainty. The eyes of a baby...
Down Syndrome Truths vs Myths
The Genetics behind Down Syndrome - Chromosomal abnormalities can occur in one of two ways. A mutation may be inherited from one of the individual’s parents.
Myth: All people with Down syndrome will eventually develop Alzheimer’s disease. It is true that people with Down syndrome are more likely to develop dementia of some sort in the future; the incidence is not any more common than in the general public. The difference is in those people it does occur in, it occurs 20-30 years earlier.
The Physical Aspects of Down Syndrome - A baby born with Down syndrome is diagnosed based on physical examination. Typical characteristics are low muscle tone and loose joints, a flat facial...
Myth: People with Down syndrome are always happy. People with Down syndrome do have a wonderfully pleasant personality and love to be with other people. However, they have all of the same moods and personalities that everyone else has and they cycle through them in much the same way and frequency.
Toilet Training the Child with Down Syndrome - The major factor in successful toilet training is the use of a schedule. It is important to watch the child’s voiding habits for 2 or 3 days to get...
Myth: Men and women with Down syndrome cannot have children. Men have impaired fertility and there are only two documented cases of men who actually fathered children. Women with Down syndrome are just as capable of having children as any other woman is.
What Is Down Syndrome? - A French physician Jerome Lejeune discovered in 1959 that people who have the characteristics of Down Syndrome as described by John Langdon Down, all had...
Myth: People with Down syndrome cannot form relationships. People with Down syndrome are capable of forming relationships and feeling like, dislike, and love with anyone they come in contact with. They are able of having friendships, parent-child relationships, and man-woman love relationships.
What Is Down Syndrome? - Down syndrome is caused by abnormal cell division, which occurs very early in the development of the fetus. The results of the abnormal cell division...
Myth: People with Down syndrome are severely retarded. Most people with Down syndrome have mild to moderate below-normal intelligence. They are capable of learning and just like anyone else, their potential cannot be specified.
Myth: Adults with Down syndrome cannot hold a job. Many adults can hold various levels and kinds of job positions. While some people with Down’s can be competitively employed, others need a more supportive work environment.
What Is It Like For Kids With Down Syndrome? - Kids who have Down Syndrome for the most part are like any typical child. They like to laugh, play games, be with friends, learn new things, be loved,...
Myth: Children with Down syndrome must be place in special education programs outside of the regular classroom. Just as any other child in school, children with Down’s are in a regular classroom for part of the day and in special classes for specific subjects. Some of them are in the regular classroom all day but with a modified curriculum.
What is Life Like for the Child with Down Syndrome? - Children with Down syndrome look different from other children. In fact, their differences are extremely obvious and most people who look at them can...
Myth: Most people with Down syndrome live in institutions. Most children with Down syndrome live at home with their families and attend school, church, and are active in their communities. There are adults with Down’s who may live in group home settings but the set up actually enables them to be more independent in their lives.
The general public needs to be educated on Down syndrome in order to not be limited by the constraints of myths and untruths associated with the syndrome. As a parent to a child with Down syndrome, knowing the being educated about the truths of Down’s will allow parents to support their child and help him or her to grow to their full potential.
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All articles on this site are for information only and should not be treated as medical advice.
If you experience any symptoms, consult a medical professional.