How different am I?
A. You
are not any different then your other friends. You are a very special individual,
with many talents that you will tap into one day. All of us do not look
the same so why should you. We also learn at a different pace, and we all
need help!
You are labeled because of people years ago didn't understand Down Syndrome,
as we do now. So don't listen to others, be yourself. You, yourself know
who your friends are, and that you are Loved by the most important people
in your life,"Your Parents'' and ''the rest of Your Family".
Myths versus Facts!
MYTH: Children with Down
syndrome are born to women over 35.
FACT: Women under
35 years of age give birth to more than 80% of children with Down syndrome.
MYTH: Children with Down syndrome all look alike and have passive,
loving personalities.
FACT: While individuals with Down syndrome
do have some physical features in common, they resemble their families in
appearance and temperament much more than they do each other.
MYTH: Children with Down syndrome don't live
very long.
FACT: Approximately
30 - 40% of individuals with Down syndrome are born with heart defects and
some have congenital anomalies. Many of these defects are now correctable
by surgery. The majority of individuals with Down syndrome are expected
to live an average life span.
MYTH: Children with Down syndrome are severely
mentally disabled.
FACT: There is a wide variation in mental abilities,
behavior and physical development in individuals with Down syndrome.
MYTH: Children with Down syndrome will never
grow up to be independent. FACT:
Parents and society are coming to understand the aspirations of persons
with Down syndrome to participate in all aspects of community life: education,
recreation, employment, social and family life.
MYTH: Children with Down syndrome are a financial
and emotional burden to their families.
FACT: Families raising children with
Down syndrome face increased challenges, but helping their children grow
and develop provides the same rewards that all parents experience
