Understanding Down syndrome

Down syndrome is a lifelong human condition that affects around 1 in 1,000 babies born. Children with Down syndrome are born into families from all backgrounds in every country. People with Down syndrome share some characteristics, but they are also individuals who – like all of us – are shaped by their genes and their environment.

In many countries, many people with Down syndrome live fulfilling and enjoyable lives as valued members of their communities and much-loved members of their families. Over the past 50 years, advances in medicine, healthcare and in early intervention and education, together with social change, have transformed outcomes for people with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is associated with three (rather than two) copies of genes found on chromosome 21. Most people with Down syndrome will have an additional copy of the whole or part of chromosome 21. It influences many aspects of development from conception, impacting many parts of the body, including brain development. Yet, although people with Down syndrome share this common genetic difference, people with Down syndrome are all individuals – they share many characteristics with their parents and their grandparents and differ from other people with Down syndrome in many ways.

As science has discovered more about the genetic difference and how it impacts development, we have learned more about how best to care for, educate and support people with Down syndrome. Improved medical care, early intervention, adapted teaching practices, and community inclusion are helping young people with Down syndrome today achieve more than once thought possible.

Differences seen among people with Down syndrome

TODO: what do we mean by differences? – common (average) differences and individuals

Health and medical issues

TODO: brief summary

Development and learning

TODO: brief summary

How can we help?

TODO