"I support Down Syndrome Education International because it helps children and grown ups with Down
syndrome all over the world.
"It helps them to learn to read and write and do all the other things that the doctors said I would
not be able to do when I was born but that I can do now."
Sarah Duffen
Key facts about Down syndrome
This section of our Web site aims to provide some key facts about Down syndrome and how it affects
the lives of individuals.
About Down syndrome
Down syndrome is one of the most common causes of learning disability. There are just over 30,000 individuals
with Down syndrome in the UK and more than 2 million worldwide. Down syndrome can have a range of effects
on an individual's health and development.
To find out more about Down syndrome, click on the following links:
Living with Down syndrome
The charity's publication
Living with Down syndrome provides:
- an introduction to all the issues that need to be addressed to enable individuals with Down syndrome,
and their families, to enjoy full and happy lives within their communities
- an overview of the development of individuals with Down syndrome from infancy to adult life
-
a summary of the causes of Down syndrome, the incidence and prevalence of the condition, life expectancy
and associated education and health care needs
Click here to view Living
with Down syndrome online...
Early Support materials
For further detailed information about Down syndrome we recommend the Early Support publication Information
for parents - Down syndrome.
This book was written by Early Support in partnership
with Down Syndrome Education International and the Down's Syndrome Association for England and Wales.
It is available for free download from
the UK Government's Early Support website.
Making a difference
As individuals and as communities, there are many ways we can help make a difference for each person
with Down syndrome. More about how we can make
a difference...
Further information about Down syndrome
For more detailed information about Down syndrome, visit the charity's
Down Syndrome Online Web site. There is also further information about Down syndrome
in the charity's current strategy document...
Support better education for young people who have Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Education International's research programmes investigate all aspects
of development and education for young people who have Down syndrome.
For nearly 30 years, we have pioneered practical ways to help young people who have
Down syndrome to achieve more.
We work with families, teachers and therapists, researchers and support organisations
in over 180 countries, helping over 100,000 people with Down syndrome to achieve
more every year.
Our continuing work depends on the generous support of donors everywhere.
Please donate today. Thank you for your continuing support.