21 Down - a Down Syndrome Awareness Group serving Atlantic, Cape May, and Southern Ocean counties.

21 DOWN
P.O. Box 205
Northfield, NJ 08225

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in one in every 800 to 1,000 births. It affects people of all ages, races, and economic levels, and is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality. More than 350,000 people have Down Syndrome in the United States alone.

People with Down Syndrome are more prone to:

Congenital heart defects
Increased susceptibility to infection
Respiratory problems
Obstructed digestive systems

In addition, most people with Down Syndrome have some degree of mental retardation. However, it usually falls into the mild to moderate range and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents each individual possess.

People with Down Syndrome who receive appropriate medical care and are included in community life are expected to adapt successfully. Just like their peers, they attend school, develop friendships, maintain jobs, participate in important personal decisions and make positive contributions to the community. People with Down Syndrome are more like their nondisabled peers than they are different and they deserve the same opportunities.

What is a Developmental Disability?

Developmental disabilities are permanent and begin at birth or during childhood. · Approximately 1 percent of the population is affected by a developmental disability.

Developmental disabilities are a classification of severe and chronic conditions that generally are brain-based and cause individuals to have problems developing cognitively.
Some conditions you may have heard of include mental retardation, severe autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other conditions that could cause similar impairments to those caused by mental retardation.

As a result, a person may have limited functionality in several of the life skills areas of communication, grooming, learning, mobility, making appropriate decisions, and independent living.

Developmental disabilities all occur in childhood or before age 22. Some, but not all, causes of developmental disabilities are known.

Unfortunately, a developmental disability cannot be cured. However, individuals can receive supports and services that will enable them to gain life skills, live more independently in their home community, obtain employment, should they wish to, and enjoy a greater quality of life - something for which we all strive.

For More Information:

National Down Syndrome Congress

Did You Know?

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder, characterized by the presence of an extra # 21 chromosome. Instead of having 46 chromosomes in each of his/her cells, a person with Down syndrome has 47.