DOWN'S SYNDROME FACT SHEET

Down's Syndrome is caused by an extra or 21st chromosome. Down's Syndrome develops during the gestation period (during formation of the sex cells) not because she's stupid or her mommy beats her. In other words, she comes into the world like that. This Syndrome is blameless. It is not caused by her or other's poor behavior toward her. The more you understand and the better you treat her, the better her behavior will be, this goes for education as well. Usually these children benefit greatly from additional educational support and extra parental caregiver support. There are groups out there to improve partenting and understanding the DS child. These groups are designed to teach people about DS to improve parenting, knowledge and skills. This Syndrome is in fact, considered a mental disability (I've got one of those and I'm damn proud of it). Most of these people were institutionalized up until the 20th century because mental health was shall we say, lacking...(that goes for most of here on this board as well...we would be in asylums instead of sitting in front of our keyboards). As far as physical issues, DS children suffer from congental heart defects, recurrant ear infections, sleep apnea and thyroid dysfunctions (these are not fun things to have and not understand so they will be quite cranky). You of course are familiar with the unique facial features...they are very well aware that people can see they are different (this is not fun for them either because they don't like being treated like a freak anymore than we would). Their cognitive imparements benefit from a slowed down calm environment. As a matter of fact, loud, angry and fast paced environments are really tough for them. But they are like puppies...beat 'em and they'll tell you they love you and give you a big hug (I wouldn't recommend this because I hate people who mistreat others in any circumstance (unless I'm wearing my uniform carrying and gun and the enemy is right there). DISCLAIMER: PLEASE EXCUSE MY PERSONAL COMMENTS AS I AM MANIC TODAY AND I AM DOING THE BEST THAT I CAN. As far as emotions they can feel like love, well, love is love...due to their cognitive disability, they cannot distinguish romantic love from parental love to friendship love. If she embarrasses you in front of your friends, tough! I would see you as someone caring to be a friend of a DS child. Have to go...library time is up. Hope this helps.