Facts on Down Syndrome

Here is some background on Down syndrome:

There are about 400,000 people in the country with Down syndrome.
The most common form of Down syndrome is Trisomy 21.  People with T21 have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Prior to or at conception, a pair of the 21st chromosomes (in either the sperm or egg) fails to separate resulting in a third copy of the 21st chromosome.
The cause of the extra chromosome is still unknown, but doctors do know it is not caused by environmental factors or anything the parents do before or during the pregnancy.

All people with Down syndrome experience delays in their cognitive and physical development, but the delays are usually mild to moderate. 

Many individuals with Down syndrome not only graduate from high school, but go on to college!  Many get married, are employed and live independent lives.

The possibilities are endless! 

(This information was provided by the National Down Syndrome Society).