FACT: Down syndrome and Autism are different conditions. DS is a common chromosomal disorder that is often noticeable in the physical appearance of a person.
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), on the other hand, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech.
NB: It is possible for both conditions to co-exist in an individual. Co-mobidity means that one individual can exhibit traits of several conditions even though one is likely to be prevalent. Research shows that there is an increase in the possibility of people with DS also having autism. This, however, doesn’t make them the same.
STEREOTYPE: People living with Down syndrome can not get married.
FACT: People with DS are capable of having romantic relationships and are in successful marriages.
At the moment, there are records of DS – DS marriages as well as persons with DS getting hooked to neurotypical partners.
While we are taking a position on this, it is important to note that as with every condition, severity is a determinant of the quality of life the individual lives.
STEREOTYPE: People with Down syndrome can not drive cars.
FACT: People with DS can pass driver’s license tests, own cars, and drive independently!
Often times, people with Down syndrome are denied opportunity to try new things because of negative perceptions and impossibility/fixed mindsets of those around them.
We celebrate parents and caregivers who gave them the opportunity to try. However, this is not to say a person’s worth is determined by this accomplishment.
National Down syndrome Society recorded Jay Nothagle as a person who passed the driver’s license test at 21. He owns his own truck and drives to work! He took longer to prepare for the test, though, yet he pulled through.
William Loughane, a special olympic gold medalist, received his Driver’s license in Ireland at the age of 26. William drives his Toyota Yaris to commute to his job.
John Marrs started his driver’s training classes at 15 and received his drivers permit, which allowed him to drive with an adult. At 18, he passed his driving tests and became a licensed driver!
Another example is Meredith Martin, a 24-year-old woman with Down syndrome who has her own apartment and has three jobs. She works at a local hospital, a grocery store, and an assisted living facility! Meredith has her driver’s license! She’s also active in her church and in several activities in her community.
NB This post was copied from an interesting research made by Rick Smith, Father to Noah, a young child with Down syndrome. Also note the key roles parents played in helping these amazing people break limits and attain milestones. I had seen the documentary of a young Nigerian with DS who earns a living driving.
Post credit:
Rick Smith. _Meet 7 People With Down Syndrome Who Have Gotten Their Driver’s License!_ October 23, 2013.
STEREOTYPE: Down syndrome births are by older women.
FACT: As maternal age increases above 35 years, the incidence of DS could increase. Records indicate that there are 1 in 1000 DS births at age 31,1 in 400 at age 35, and 1 in 100 at age 40.
This suggests that younger women have DS births as well as older women. Statistically, about 80% of babies with DS are born to women under age 35 years. This is because it falls within the active years for childbirths.
STEREOTYPES: People who live with Down syndrome can not be integrated into society, and they are not employable.
FACT: People with DS graduate from Secondary/High school and even participate in post secondary school experiences, thereby earning diplomas and college certifications. There are more successful people with DS than I can mention in a breath. A good number of them hold down jobs and own private businesses. I’ve read several stories and commendations from employers.
Back home, organizations like Patrick’s Speech and Language Centre, Down syndrome society of Nigeria, Mo Rainbow Foundation, KTC-KYC, The Engraced Ones (School of Grace), Inspired Christian School and others, are working assiduously to prepare children who live with disability in Nigeria for a future of financial independence.
While most people with the condition live in their homes in Nigeria, depending on severity, of course, abroad, they live either in supported Community Homes, with their parents, or independently.
