DEBUNKING STEREOTYPES
STEREOTYPE: DS is a disease, and people who live with the condition often die young.
FACT: Down syndrome is not a disease, and people living with the condition do not always die young. The condition predisposes people to several ailments, but that is not to say they are sick. They could be very healthy. Life expectancy for people with the condition is on the rise from 60 to 80 years and beyond.
In any case, let me state here that length of days is determined by God.
Improved access to health care has reduced risks.
There is no known cure for Down syndrome, but management measures that focus on helping the child thrive physically and mentally are available. The challenge is in parts of the world where these services are too expensive for some people to access.
Management options could include physical and occasional therapy, inclusive education, open heart surgery, diet control, and so on.
All reactions: