Debunking Myths About Down Syndrome
Hi everyone, this is the third forum post for the ''World Down Syndrome Day'' event. We will be discussing some common myths about down syndrome, and debunking them with the correct information.
Hopefully this is explanatory and you can gain something from it❤️
Common Myths About Down Syndrome
- Only old women have children with down syndrome: It's true that the probability of a woman giving birth to a child with down syndrome increases over age, but mothers of all ages can have kids with down syndrome. In fact 80% of babies with down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age-simply because this age group has the most kids.
- People with down syndrome can't be independent: Every person with down syndrome is different. Some may be quite independent, some may require some support. But people with down syndrome live very independent lives-some own their own houses, have jobs, etc.
- People with down syndrome die young: In the past, this was the case. Mayo Clinic tells us that in 1910, a child with down syndrome often passed away before their 10th birthday. About a 100 years later, the life expectancy has dramatically increased to 60 years, many people live past their 80s even! Unfortunately, the average life expectancy for an African-American in the U.S. with Down syndrome is just 35 years old. This appalling statistic deserves the full attention of our government and scientific community. Find out more Here.
- People with down syndrome are always happy: This might sound positive for some to say, but it is not true and simply insensitive. People with down syndrome experience the same range of emotions like everybody else, and are in fact likely to have depression and anxiety. This often ends up being untreated because others make assumptions about their mental health when they shouldn't!
- People with down syndrome can't go to regular public schools: It is not only advisable that children with Down syndrome attend public schools, in the U.S. it is required by law that public schools accept and provide an appropriate education to them. This requirement is outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA stipulates that all children with disabilities must have available to them a free, appropriate public education that meets their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living.
To read more concerning the misconceptions about down syndrome, go to Globaldownsyndrome.org.
References
-Myths about Down Syndrome: https://www.aruma.com.au/about-us/blog/myths-about-down-syndrome/
- Down Syndrome Life Expectancy Is Higher, But Not For Everyone :https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2021/07/down-syndrome-life-expectancy
- Down Syndrome Misconceptions vs Reality: https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/misconceptions-vs-reality/
Want to know more about World Down Syndrome Day? Click here to find the masterpost for the event.
Thank you for reading, I hope you learned something❤️
@MyNameIsNicole
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@MyNameIsNicole I'll add another I grew up hearing:
People with Down Syndrome cannot have children.
In those with Down Syndrome, women may have higher rates of infertility and men have very high rates of infertility. So women with Down Syndrome may have an easier time having kids, but there are ways of having children outside of intercourse & pregnancy with no interventions. Barriers to access do tend to be present though.
I can't edit so clarifying here.
Men with Down Syndrome have extremely high rates of infertility as their ability to produce sperm is impaired.
Women with Down syndrome seem to have higher rates of infertility compared to other women and this is at least partially due to earlier onset of menopause.
@MyNameIsNicole
A restaurant in my hometown only hires people with down syndrome to break the stigma that those with down syndrome can't work and hold down a job.
@MyNameIsNicole
Thank you for making this post!
Down’s syndrome really should be recognised much more and I’m glad our community took time to recognise the realities but also the positives of having Down’s syndrome.
Any conversation around chromosomal caused disabilities will always have a special place in my heart ♥️
