Myths About Down Syndrome
Posted October 25, 2022 by Anusha ‐ 3 min read
Down syndrome occurs when extra genetic material from chromosome 21 results from abnormal cell division. People with Down syndrome have a distinctive facial appearance, intellectual disability, and developmental delays. Thyroid disorders and heart disorders may be associated with the condition.
Myth: The lifespan of a person with Down syndrome is relatively short.
Fact
There are several factors that determine how long an individual lives.
Having regular medical checkups and interventions will allow the person with Down syndrome to live a normal life.
Medical advances, such as the ability to detect and treat heart defects, and a shift in attitudes within the medical field, have led to an increase in life experience to 58 years old.
Despite this, many people with Down syndrome live to be over 60 years old.
Myth: A person with Down syndrome cannot accomplish normal life goals.
Fact
They can succeed if they have the right support.
Most people with Down syndrome can walk and talk, and some have attended mainstream schools, passed exams, and are now semi-independent adults.
There are many educational, social, cultural, and recreational activities available for people with Down syndrome.
As part of the typical education system, they take part in sports, music, and art programs, as well as other community activities.
Myth: Down syndrome patients are always happy.
Fact
Down syndrome is not that different from normal people.
Feelings and moods are the same for everyone.
Several studies have found that people with Down syndrome are more likely to have depression.
The condition may be under-treated as well.
Attending school, work, and social events, as well as having adaptive life skills, is important for adults with Down syndrome.
Myth: Down syndrome patients cannot live independently or find employment.
Fact
The myth goes back decades and is completely untrue.
Each individual is affected differently by Down syndrome.
Hence, people may be very independent in some situations, while others need a greater amount of support.
People with Down syndrome can become independent, educated, and earn a living on their own.
Several individuals with Down’s syndrome grow up to contribute significantly to society.
Myth: Down syndrome patients cannot have children.
Fact
A person with Down syndrome may face significant challenges in raising a child.
However, women with Down syndrome can conceive and have children.
According to older studies, men with Down syndrome are infertile, but there have been a handful of instances where men with Down syndrome have fathered children.
Myth: Down syndrome patients are overweight.
Fact
People with Down syndrome do not always gain weight.
However, obesity in Down syndrome patients, as compared to the typical population, needs further study.
Researchers found there is a greater risk of obesity among women and men with Down syndrome than among the broader population.
Down syndrome patients who are overweight often have a low metabolic rate and a thyroid issue.
Hence, it is important that everyone eats well and exercises.