Down syndrome - individual needs
Each individual with Down syndrome is unique
The range of abilities and disabilities, characteristics, interests and achievements among people with
Down syndrome vary widely, as with everyone. Down syndrome associates them - it does not define them.
Individuals with Down syndrome can lead long lives
- Down syndrome is associated with an increased risk of a number of medical conditions, some of which
are serious, but many of which are not.
- These include increased risks of hearing and vision defects, heart abnormalities, infection, leukaemia,
thyroid disorders, and of developing Alzheimer-type dementia in later life.
- The pattern is very varied - some individuals many only be affected a few - or even none - of these
conditions, others may have a range of additional health care needs
- However, with access to informed and effective health care, individuals with Down syndrome can now expect
to live to 50-60 years of age.
Individuals with Down syndrome face a range of developmental difficulties
- Down syndrome results in some delays in development, although the extent of this delay varies considerably
from one individual to another.
- These include delayed motor skills (such as sitting, crawling and walking in infancy) and delayed cognitive
skills (such as speech and language acquisition and short-term memory abilities).
- However, with appropriate education, therapy, and social support, the majority of people with Down syndrome
can lead full and active lives in our communities.
- Down Syndrome Education International has been at the forefront of developing effective strategies to
help children with Down syndrome to fulfil their potential.
Making a difference
To find out more about how the charity helps individuals with Down syndrome
click here...
Other key facts about Down syndrome
Click on these links to find out more key facts about:
Further information about Down syndrome
For more detailed information about Down syndrome:
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.