Some characteristics are the ears being set lower on the head, rounded face structure, widely set apart eyes, and wide nose. Although there is no cure for Down syndrome, children that are born with the condition can lead very prominent lives. All people with Down syndrome have some level of mental retardation, but they usually fall in the mild to moderate range. Like other babies, they learn to sit, walk, talk, and to care for themselves, but they do it at a much slower pace. Early intervention with physical therapy can help them strengthen their muscles for these motor skills. .
There are many misunderstanding when it comes to Down syndrome. There are many myths that people believe simply because they do not know that facts. They prefer to assume things than to take the time to learn what Down syndrome really is. A few of the things people assume are things like most children with Down syndrome are born to older parents. That's not true at all; eighty percent of the children that have this are born to women 35 and younger. Although, the births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. Another assumption is that most people with Down syndrome are institionalized. The truth is that today these people live at home with their families and lead their educational, social, recreational, etc lives like everyone else. It is also believed that they are unemployable. This is something that I feel very strongly about personally, because I have an uncle that has Down syndrome. He works everyday and brings enthusiasm, reliability, and dedication to his job. Working has positively changed his self-esteem.
Adults with Down syndrome are able to date, and form ongoing relationships. Some are even beginning to marry. Women with Down syndrome can and do have children. There is a 50 percent chance that their child will have Down syndrome. Men with Down syndrome are believed to be sterile.
