Myth Buster

MYTH: Down Syndrome is a rare disorder.

FACT: Down syndrome is not rare. About 1 in every 700 babies is born with Down syndrome and over 6000 babies are born with Down syndrome in the US each year. Currently, it is estimated that there are over 350,000 individuals with Down syndrome in the United States.
 
We totally hit the jack pot!


MYTH: Most children with Down syndrome are born to older parents.

FACT: Over 80% of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under the age of 35, and the average age of a mother of an infant with Down syndrome is 28 years.

I was 29.

MYTH: People with Down syndrome have severe cognitive delays.

FACT: 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. 


MYTH: Children with Down syndrome must be placed in separate special education programs.

FACT: Most children with Down syndrome in the United States are “mainstreamed” into regular schools. They attend regular classes for some subjects and attend special classes for other subjects. Each school system is required to provide the best learning environment possible for all special needs children.



I love this message from IDSC for Life.

MYTH: People with Down syndrome are always happy.
 
FACT: People with Down syndrome experience a full range of emotions such as sadness, anger and happiness, just like everyone else.

My girl IS pretty happy, though.  I tell her all the time that God filled her chock full of joy.

MYTH: Individuals with Down syndrome die young.

FACT: The average life expectancy of an individual with Down syndrome is now 50 years of age.

Life expectancy has continued to improve dramatically over the years and will continue to improve with medical science advances.

Myths and Facts taken directly from About.com