31/21 - DS Facts

For starters, I figured I'd give just a few facts about Down Syndrome since many of my blog followers may not know much about it.


Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is caused when there is a triplication on the 21st chromosome. People with Down Syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of 46, like people without Down Syndrome. This is the reason it is called Trisomy 21, being there are three 21st chromosomes instead of the usual two.

Down Syndrome is not a disease.

While the likelihood of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age; nevertheless, 80% of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age, as women in that age group give birth to more babies overall.

Down syndrome is not related to race or nationality.

Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in 800 live births.

There is a wide variation in mental abilities, behavior and physical development in individuals with Down Syndrome. Each individual has his/her own unique personality, capabilities and talents. In other words, people with Down syndrome are not all the same; just like individuals in the typical population are not all the same.

Individuals with Down Syndrome can lead a normal life and even get married.

There is a good FAQ on my sister's website, Got Down Syndrome.

Suriyah