For today's post this month's issue of Parents has an article on a family with a little girl who has Down's Syndrome. I have yet to read the article, but when I do I will come and update with my reactions and a link.
For those who don't know Down's Syndrome is a chromosomal condition where the person has three copies of the 21st chromosome rather than the usual two, also known as Trisomy 21. It is the most common genetic condition. People living with Down's Syndrome have a life expectancy of 60 years of age and have IQ's that place them in the "mild to moderate" category of cognitive impairment. They are just like you and I, they date, socialize, hold jobs and have feelings. Their quality of life is not harmed because of their disability, and nobody should feel sorry for or pity them, their life is just fine! Sadly, though, many people do and one of the most terrifying statistics is that due to advances in maternal screenings 90% of parents given the Down's Syndrome diagnosis prenatally choose to abort. There is an obvious need to educate on the topic of Down's Syndrome, to not place a negative stigma on it, and report happy and healthy children/adults who live with it. Maybe that's what Parents is trying to do by running the article?
(information found at the National Down Syndrome Society and New York Times)
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