Historically when a child was born with Down Syndrome they were institutionalized prior to the family bonding with the child. This was thought to be in the best interest of the entire family due to the child being mentally retarded with a host of additional medical issues that would most likely occur because of the disease. In the 1970’s physicians and parents began to realize that these children have the ability to learn when provided with an environment conducive to their learning abilities. It was further discovered that these children have much to offer to their families and society as a whole. Many families began to realize that these children bring much joy to those they encounter, that they have the ability to express, feel and return affection as well as to function well within the family unit. As families began making the decision to keep their Down Syndrome children and raise them as they would a child without the disease they became an accepted part of society. By today’s standard it is not uncommon to see families happily going about their business while including their children affected by the disease.

Down Syndrome occurs about once in every 800 live births. Individuals with this disease are born with an additional chromosome, the effects of which are delayed physical and intellectual development. This disease crosses all races, nationality, socioeconomic and religious lines. The good news about this particular disease is that those individuals affected by it are most often very capable of learning, working and in some cases eventually having families of their own. The key is early training, patience and the willingness of the family to allow those affected by the disease freedom to move forward in life. Families today take pride in their children born with this ailment just as they do a child born without the complications of this disease.

There are three forms of this Chromosomal Disorder known as Trisomy 21, Translocation and Mosaicism caused by extra genetic material from chromosome 21 and there is no known cure or prevention. This disease causes a combination of birth defects which range from mild to severe. The most common being mental retardation and flat profile or facial features. Often those born with this disease are born with heart defects, intestinal defects, vision problems, hearing loss, and they may suffer frequently with ear infections and colds. Some additional health problems may arise with thyroid, leukemia and seizures. As a woman ages the risk increases, however statistics indicate that a large percentage of these births actually occur to mothers under the age of thirty five.

Thanks to the advancement of medicine and the increased knowledge of our society Down Syndrome children are no longer institutionalized. Personally I find it unfortunate that some parents still choose to terminate a pregnancy when they discover through testing that their child will be born with this disease.

Perhaps someday we will all realize the value of all people.