Down syndrome people need love

Caroline Willes is from the The Down Syndrome Association KZN office in Malvern. Her daughter Ginelle, 19, has

Down syndrome. FAMILIES who are raising children with Down syndrome experience the same joys and challenges experienced by all parents.

The presence of a child with the syndrome should not have any negative effect on other siblings.

People with the syndrome benefit from loving homes, appropriate medical care, early intervention and educational and vocational services.

They also benefit from being valued citizens of the community.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder arising at the time of conception and is irreversible.

It is caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome which causes delays in physical and intellectual development.

The exact cause is currently unknown. There is no cure.

The incidence of Down syndrome is one in 660 live births in developing countries, and one in 1 000 live births in developed countries.

It is one of the leading clinical causes of intellectual disability in the world.

It is not related to race, nationality, religion or socio-economic status.

Women over 35 are at a higher risk of having a child with Down syndrome.

Nevertheless, more than 80% of children with the syndrome are currently being born to mothers under that age.

At present the average age is 28. In South Africa the following pregnancy tests are available: ultrasound, blood tests, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS).

People with the syndrome have the same emotions and needs as any other person and deserves the same opportunities and care.

The majority have a mild to moderate range of disability.

However, most people with the syndrome will walk and talk, many will read and write, go to mainstream schools and lead fulfilling and semi-independent lives.

They should always be regarded as unique individuals and should not be stereotyped.

Down syndrome is not a disease or an illness.

Persons with the syndrome do not ' suffer' from the condition nor are they 'victims'. With the right support, people with the syndrome can enjoy a life of 70 years plus.