Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong intellectual disability, developmental delays, and specific physical features. The leading cause for Down syndrome is having three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two copies. The symptoms of Down Syndrome are usually noticed at birth or shortly after. There are many misconceptions about this condition, but parents can decide how to treat their child with Down syndrome with accurate information.

Down Syndrome or Down’s Syndrome? What is Down Syndrome?

A condition that causes some people to have some or all of these traits: small stature, typically under 5 feet tall; some degree of intellectual disability; distinctive facial features, such as almond-shaped eyes, a small chin, and wide space between the teeth.

Down syndrome is also known as Down’s Syndrome and the “DS” in “DSD” is an abbreviation for Down Syndrome Diagnosis. This phrase is used more often in recent times due to more awareness about disabilities and sensitivities. More people are choosing to use this term rather than just simply naming it “Down Syndrome.”

We should use the phrase “Down Syndrome” or “Down’s Syndrome” because it would be less offensive to those who experience it.

Generally, Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 being present in the body’s cells. The extra chromosome causes the body to have an extra copy of some genes. This extra genetic material gradually causes differences in the brain, body, and behavior that are the hallmarks of the condition. Since adults can be born with this condition, they are not truly diagnosed until they are well into adulthood. The symptoms of this genetic disorder vary from person to person but typically include intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, and heart defects. Children with Down syndrome may also have hearing problems or vision impairment, among other health issues.

Down syndrome can cause many different health problems, but it does not change the intelligence level. Down Syndrome Awareness Month is celebrated each year in October to increase public awareness of the disorder and present opportunities for everyone to support people with Down syndrome.

Why Educate Yourself on Down Syndrome

The article is an introduction to the condition of Down Syndrome. It discusses DS and its effects on a person. We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves about disabilities and disabilities-related issues. Many people with disabilities may not ask for support, and this is understandable. We should respect people’s privacy and their ability to self-advocate and self-advocate for themselves. However, we also cannot sit back and hope that the disability community will reach out to us and educate us about disabilities.

Down Syndrome Facts and Figures in Australia

Down syndrome (DS) is a lifelong condition with no cure. Down syndrome is mostly as being “subtle,” “benign,” or “hidden” because the symptoms are often mild, and not all people with Down syndrome have noticeable symptoms.

Even though there is much information about Down Syndrome, there is a lack of national data collection regarding the number of people living with the condition and the incidence rate. 

• Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is the most common of the chromosomal disorders, which involve three (trisome) or more (tetrasomy) extra (duplicate) genetic material (elements) in the cells. Down Syndrome is more common in boys than girls, and it occurs in approximately one out of every 1100 live births.
• Down Syndrome can be detected early in pregnancy by a blood test and offered to the mother, the father, or both. The first-trimester blood test is usually offered to all women, as it enables early detection. 
• Women who carry a Down Syndrome baby can have a Down Syndrome diagnosis, and the baby is given a Down Syndrome diagnosis from 38 weeks of pregnancy.
• The average life expectancy for people with Down Syndrome in Australia is now 60 years or more, well above the global average.
• Down Syndrome affects 1 in 1100 babies in Australia. (source: DownSyndrome.or.au).

Down Syndrome in the Workplace.

In the past, Down syndrome was often misunderstood and even thought of as a mental handicap. Today, we know that it is a developmental disorder. Although there are many misconceptions about Down syndrome, the reality is that people with Down syndrome want to live happy lives just like anyone else. Research has shown that people with Down syndrome have a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease than those who do not have it.

Despite this research and the many beautiful things about having a child with Down syndrome, society still has negative views. 34% of people with Down Syndrome (25years old and over) have a paid job at baseline in Australia. (source: afdo.org.au).

The reality is that companies need to start diversifying their workforce if they want to make sure they can keep up with the changing world of technology. Many people with Down syndrome are capable of performing well in several workforce settings. 

Many individuals with Down syndrome can live and work independently in their community. Recent research suggests that people with Down syndrome often have employability rates comparable to those without the condition. Companies should not hire someone just because they have down syndrome, but they should not exclude anyone based on their disability status when looking for a qualified candidate.

Despite progress in accepting people with Down Syndrome, there is still a stigma attached to it. A stigma affects both the person with Down Syndrome and their families.

Do People With Down Syndrome Have Difficulty in the Workforce?

Many people often question the ability of people with Down Syndrome to work in the workforce, citing their disabilities as an obstacle to their success. However, many have proven that this is not always the case.

Some thrive in specific industries compared to other industries. Some thrive where others won’t, just like everyone. The following are some issues that might be faced when working in unfamiliar industries:

– Not being able to use a computer or other technological equipment

– Communication difficulties when interacting with co-workers

– An inability to work independently.

However, holding a job can be highly beneficial to people with down syndrome. They might feel more independent, which gives them more self-esteem. Being part of the workforce could also improve their social skills by being around other people during work hours. There are many different jobs for people with down syndrome, including childcare, taking tickets at an event, working at an airport baggage handling, or working in a hospital putting together packages for patients.

In conclusion, diversity is essential, and hiring employees with disabilities is beneficial. Hiring those with disabilities provides new perspectives and skillsets to make for a more flexible and creative workforce.