Down Syndrome Information and Statistics

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Down Syndrome Information, Statistics, Photos, Personal Experience and Resources

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, this genetic condition occurs in 1 of every 733 live births. Down syndrome is not as rare as people think. This number does not include the estimated 90 percent of all pregnancies that are terminated due to the diagnosis of Down syndrome.


As the biological and adoptive mother of two beautiful boys with down syndrome, I hope you enjoy my lens. You are also welcome to visit my blog where I share the joys and challenges of raising my boys who have down syndrome:  My Down Syndrome Blog

Information about Down Syndrome Markers

Why Use Down Syndrome Markers?

Down syndrome markers are indications on an ultrasound that a fetus may have down syndrome. These markers are often used in combination with a blood test to determine risk. They are often used in patients that prefer not to undergo amniocentesis due to the additional risk of miscarriage caused by the amnio.

How to Read Down Syndrome Markers on an Amnio

Risk Factors for Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome 101: It's Not as Uncommon as You Think

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, the only known risk factor for down syndrome is maternal age. This often leads people to the misunderstanding that babies with down syndrome are only born to older mothers. In reality increased risk begins at age 21 for mothers. Get the facts:

Identify Risk Factors for Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Therapy Exercise and Nutrition

Therapy, exercise and nutrition are critical to the overall health of a child with down syndrome. The medical burden of the additional chromosome carried in trisomy 21, can be lessened by living a healthier lifestyle.

Down Syndrome Therapy, Exercise and Nutrition

Down Syndrome Information for New Parents

Books and Resources

This article on Down Syndrome will assist new parents in finding up-to-date information, statistics and resources for coping with the diagnosis. Books and information can help new parents through a difficult time.

Down Syndrome Information for New Parents

Medical Care for Children with Down Syndrome

The first and most important challenge faced by parents of children with down syndrome is to find a medical professional that is not only experienced with down syndrome, but also committed to the health of your child. Children with down syndrome are at great risk for a number of health complications and if your primary care physician is not aware of them, they may go undetected. For this reason, it is critical that an experienced pediatrician be located for all babies with down syndrome. In addition, the ability to listen will go along way in meeting the medical needs of your child with down syndrome in the future.

How to Find Medical Care for Children with Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Awareness Day

Did you know about March 21st?

Join in the world wide celebration, advocacy and awareness initiative.

How to Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day!

Talking with New Parents after a Down Syndrome Diagnosis

If you have a friend or family member that recently got the news that their child has down syndrome, this article is designed to help you understand what they are going through. It will give you the tools you need to reach out to them and help them through difficult news. More importantly it will help them move on to parenting their child with down syndrome the best way possible and help you support them in the journey.

How to Talk to Parents After a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Adoption

As the adoptive mother of one very sweet boy with down syndrome, I can tell you that adopting Adrian is easily the best decision I have ever made. I am honored, proud and blessed to call him my son. If you are considering adopting an angel with down syndrome, or if you are considering releasing your own child for adoption, there are many resources available.

How to Adopt a Child with Down Syndrome

Teaching Reading 101

Teaching a Child with Down Syndrome to Read

One of the first things I wondered as the mother-to-be of a child with down syndrome, was how much he would be able to learn. Children with down syndrome are very capable of reading and I am proud to say that my boys are learning to read books this year. They are in 3rd grade. Here are some basic principles used to teach reading to children with down syndrome.

How to Teach Reading to a Child with Down Syndrome

Dental Care for Children with Down Syndrome

Teeth and Dentists

Children with down syndrome are all unique and have their own personalities, skills and likenesses. However, being born with an extra 21st chromosome causes some medical conditions that are similar throughout the down syndrome population. Teeth and dental care for children with down syndrome is slightly different than for other children. Find out what you need to know to properly care for the teeth of a child with down syndrome.

Dental Care for Children with Down Syndrome: Development of Teeth, Missing Teeth & Routine Care

Hearing Loss in Children with Down Syndrome

The majority of children with down syndrome experience mild hearing loss which can impact their ability to speak and learn. Having your child with down syndrome's hearing checked regularly is critical to their development. Learn more about down syndrome and hearing loss:

Hearing Loss in Children with Down Syndrome

Should Children with Down Syndrome be Included in the Mainstream Classroom?

Down Syndrome Inclusion Information

Down Syndrome Inclusion Information and StatisticsSince the early 1970's when the IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, legislation was passed children with Down syndrome have been overwhelmingly mainstreamed into the regular classroom. Advocates for inclusion list several benefits for including children with Down syndrome with improved social skills being the most important of those benefits. Regardless of what parents choose for their child, mainstream classroom or special education classroom, children with Down syndrome now have more choices in how they are educated. For more information on the benefits of inclusion visit:
Inclusion for Children with Down Syndrome

Because children with Down syndrome were rarely included in the mainstream classroom prior to 1970, very few studies have been done comparing test scores of children educated both ways. Here is one of the only studies that has been done to date giving information and statistics on inclusion and comparing inclusion with the general classroom education:
A Comparison of Mainstream and Special Education for teenagers with Down syndrome: Implications for parents and teachers by Sue Buckley, Gillian Bird, Ben Sacks and Tamsin Archer

Regardless of whether kids with Down syndrome are included in the mainstream classroom, special education classroom, or homeschooled, there are some tips for teaching children with Down syndrome to help them succeed. This includes focusing on visual learning and hands-on activities, minimizing fine motor demands, using memory aids and helping lessons relate to real life activities as often as possible. To learn more visit:
Teaching Special Needs Children with Down Syndrome

More Down Syndrome Information

Septal Heart Defects in Infants with Down Syndrome
Forty-five percent of newborns with down syndrome suffer from a heart defect. A septal defect is the most common type of heart defect. The risk of a potential heart defect is quite high for newborns with down syndrome. According to the American Heart Association, less than one percent of newborns suffer from heart defects. However, for newborns with down syndrome the incidence rises to forty-five percent, making heart defects a serious health concern and common occurrence.

What is a Septal Heart Defect? Read More
Parenting a Child With Down Syndrome: Odds, Care and Discipline for Children
One of the most challenging aspects of parenting a child with Down syndrome is disciplining them. Children with Down syndrome need discipline based on their developmental age. For example, an 8-year-old with Down syndrome that is functioning at a 4-year-old level should receive discipline based on what is expected of a 4-year-old.
The IEP Checklist iPhone App for Teachers and Parents; E Learning Trends
Parents have a handy new tool to help them through the IEP process if they are also Apple iPhone users. There is a new application for iPhone that allows entry of notes in different sections of the IEP to record events as they happen. No more waiting for the IEP and trying to remember important information. All the data can be recorded in the iPhone. The app also gives very reminders of laws that are pertinent to each section of the IEP, allowing parents to refresh their memory on their child's rights in each area.

Finding a Summer Camp for Kids with Down Syndrome

Summer Camp for Kids with Down SyndromeAre you considering summer camp for a kid with Down Syndrome. The Easter Seals foundation contributes to many summer camps throughout the US making the camps more affordable for kids with disabilities, including Down Syndrome. Because these camps are familiar with the special needs and medical care required for children with disabilities, you will rest assured they are well cared for while developing social, emotional and motor skill at summer camp!

How to Find a Summer Camp for Kids with Down Syndrome

An iPhone App Helps Parents of Children with Down Syndrome

Collect Information and Statistics for Your Child's Next IEP

iPhone IEP application software free downloadThe IEP Checklist Application for iPhone
Parents have a handy new tool to help them through the IEP process if they are also Apple iPhone users. There is a new application for iPhone that allows entry of notes in different sections of the IEP to record events as they happen. No more waiting for the IEP and trying to remember important information. All the data can be recorded in the iPhone. The app also gives very reminders of laws that are pertinent to each section of the IEP, allowing parents to refresh their memory on their child's rights in each area.

Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome: Blog

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  • Atreyusmommy May 12, 2012 @ 2:06 pm | delete
    This is an excellent lens with so much wonderful info. I added you to my featured lens list under the title Down Syndrome on my Support Circle for amazing moms and dads blessed with special children lens. Thank you so much for sharing.
  • AnthonyAltorenna Mar 17, 2012 @ 5:12 pm | delete
    Great information, especially for new parents of a child with Down Syndrome. As a parent of a 16 year old daughter with Down Syndrome, I can stress enough the importance of learning as much as you can about nutrition and exercise for a healthier lifestyle. As your child grows older and enters the school system, you must learn and understand the IEP process and the laws of your state.

    Most of all, enjoy your child. It will amaze you with how much they will teach you, and the others around you.
  • Gio Jul 13, 2011 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    Thanks for providing this statistics about Down Syndrome.

    I will also try to check out theSwagBucks Tricks site to learn more about Swag Codes and how to make money online.
  • myfive Apr 16, 2011 @ 11:56 pm | delete
    Would any parents/siblings/caregivers tell me what real life with your older child/teen/adult w/DS is like? I'm researching and having trouble finding info on specifics of daily life challenges/behavior issues, all I seem to find are health issue info. What is it really like loving & caring for a person with DS? Thanks so much!
  • Gabriel Feb 16, 2011 @ 4:06 am | delete
    Everyone deserves an equal chance in life. I am happy that I have found this website, as there is a father I know who's child has downs. What's gotten my hopes up tremendously for this awesome little guy is that he could actually one day join a mainstream classroom and have all the opportunities in life that "normal children" have.
    These individuals have so much to offer the world if only we could stop being materialistic enough to see and appreciate their inner beauty. Wooohooo to those that already do, as it is you that are all reading this now!
    Brightest of blessings on you
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HSSchulte

HSSchulte is a freelance writer based in the Midwest. She writes web content for a variety of publications such as Suite101, Squidoo, and BrightHub.
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