Myths and Facts

Myths and facts

• Myth: People with Down syndrome do not live very long.

  Fact: Today, people with Down syndrome can look forward to a long life, given the right medical attention.

• Myth: Only older mothers have babies with Down syndrome.

  Fact: Although older mothers have a higher individual chance of having a baby with Down syndrome, more babies with Down syndrome are born to younger mothers, reflecting the higher birth rate in this age group.

• Myth: People with Down syndrome cannot achieve normal life goals.

  Fact: With the right support, they can. Most people with Down syndrome learn to walk and talk, and many attend mainstream schools, pass exams and live full, semi-independent adult lives.

• Myth: People with Down syndrome all look the same.

  Fact: Certain physical characteristics can occur, and a person may have all of them or none. A person with Down syndrome will always look more like their close family than someone else with the condition.

• Myth: People with Down syndrome are always happy and affectionate.

  Fact: We are all individuals. People with Down syndrome are no different from anyone else in their character traits and varying moods.

• Myth: Down syndrome is a disease that needs a cure.

  Fact: It is a genetic condition, not an illness, and it is not contagious. What people need is support and inclusion.