Down Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey

  1. Facts about DS and What we Know
  2. Community Acceptance
  3. Resources for parents
  4. New Parent Resources
  5. Prenatal Diagnosis
  6. Enrichment and local therapeutic services
  7. Adult programming
  8. New Jersey organizations
  9. Medical links
  10. Other New Jersey support groups
  11. On-line discussion groups
  12. Useful sites
  13. Spanish Resources

Facts about Down syndrome

  • Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition in humans.
  • Down syndrome occurs when a person’s cells contain 47 chromosomes instead of 46.
  • The cause of Down syndrome is unknown. Nothing a mother does or doesn’t do during pregnancy causes Down syndrome.
  • Down syndrome occurs about once in every 691 births in the United States. It is not related to race, nationality, religion or socio-economic status.
  • About 5,000 people are born with Down syndrome in the U.S. each year.
    While age in the mother can be a factor, 80% of people with Down syndrome are born to mothers under 35, the average age being 26.
  • Down syndrome occurs evenly in males and females.
  • Down syndrome results in some degree of developmental disability and there may or may not be other medical issues.
  • Life expectancy for an individual with Down syndrome is on average 55-60 years.

What we know about people with Down syndrome

  • Every person with Down syndrome is unique, with his/her own personality, talents and thoughts.
  • People with Down syndrome are more similar to other people than they are different.
  • They thrive in loving homes and benefit from early intervention, medical care and positive public attitudes.
  • They can attend neighborhood schools with their peers.
  • They are holding competitive jobs and living in the community.
  • They are dancers, skiers, swimmers, office workers, childcare providers and so much more……