D
own syndrome
is the most com-
monly
occur-
ring chromosomal condition
in the United States, affecting
approximately one in 700 ba-
bies. Despite its frequency in
our population, many myths
about Down syndrome per-
sist. “Assumptions are chang-
ing and lessening with time,”
says Dria Law, co-chair of
Knowledge & Information
for Individuals with Down
Syndrome (KIIDS) in Bell-
mawr, NJ. Read on to learn
the medical facts of the con-
dition, and some persistent
myths.
Facts
tantrums that other kids do.
“Every child is an individu-
al,” says Dr. Downes. “They
are likely to get temperament
traits from their parents.”
Myth:
Kids with Down
syndrome are always sick.
Fact:
With good health
practices, people with Down
syndrome can lead healthy
lives.
“There is an increased
risk for immunodeficiency
which means greater risk for
infection,” says Dr. Downes.
However, despite some snif-
fles and respiratory infections,
kids with Down syndrome can
lead healthy lives. “My son
has been incredibly healthy his
whole life,” says Anne Sproll,
mother to 25-year-old Nicho-
las and a longtime employee of
the Camphill Special School in
Glenmoore, PA. “With the right
nutrition and the right support,” says Sp-
roll, “they do just fine.”
DOWN SYNDROME
Down syndrome, also
called Trisomy 21, occurs
when there is a full or partial
copy of the 21st chromosome.
People with Down syndrome
have a predisposition to cer-
tain medical conditions. According to
Alison Downes, MD, a developmental
pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia, children with Down syn-
drome share some physical character-
istics, such as a flattened mid-face, a
short stature, and slanting of the eyes
and ears. They may experience thyroid
abnormalities, congenital heart defects,
hearing and vision problems, and gas-
trointestinal issues. There is also a range
of intellectual disability. “It varies from
mild to moderate to severe or profound,”
says Dr. Downes.
Myths & Facts
Clearing Up the Myths
Surrounding Down Syndrome
Myth: Babies with Down syndrome
are only born to older mothers.
Fact: Most babies are born to women
younger than 35.
Mothers older than 35 have a greater
likelihood of having a child with Down
syndrome, says Lauren Camp, execu-
tive director of the Down Syndrome
Association of Delaware. However,
more Down syndrome babies are born
to mothers younger than 35. “We have
parents of all ages in our group,” says
Elaine Scott, president of the Chester
54 WNY Family May 2019
— by Suzanne Koup-Larsen
Empower
Ability
Inspire Advocate
Special
Needs
Potential Thri
Growth Strategies
County Down Syndrome Interest Group
based in Exton, PA. Parents are as young
as 21, but the average age of new parents
in the group is 30 to 32, she estimates.
Myth: Kids with Down syndrome are
Myth:
Kids with Down syndrome
must go to special schools.
Fact: 70% of kids are in typical class-
es.
“Within the past 20 or 30 years,
there has been a big push for inclusion,”
Camp says. Students with Down syn-
drome get the same material as the other
students, with some additional support,
she says. “A lot of literature says that
they are more successful in a typical en-
vironment,” explains Dr. Downes; this is
because interactions with peers allow for
modeling of social skills and language.
Myth: People with Down syndrome
always happy. are unable to form close interpersonal
relationships.
Fact: They experience the emotions
that all children do. Fact: They definitely have very close
“The most common myth that we
hear is that they’re always sweet and
happy,” says Law. However, parents
report that kids with Down syndrome
experience the same frustrations and Kids with Down syndrome have a
mild to moderate intellectual disability
and this impacts interpersonal relation-
ships, says Law; but, she adds, they so-
friendships and they value them.