World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

Down Syndrome International (DSi) encourages our friends all over the world to choose their own activities and events on WDSD to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

Unfortunately, not many of us have an understanding of the truths that lie behind it. Here are some myth and truth about people that have down syndrome.

Myth: Down syndrome is a rare disorder.
Truth: Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome or around 6,000 births per year

Myth: Down syndrome is hereditary and runs in families.
Truth: Translocation, a type of Down syndrome that accounts for 3 to 4% of all cases, is the only type of Down syndrome known to have a hereditary component. Of those, one third (or 1% of all cases of Down syndrome) are hereditary.

Myth: Most children with Down syndrome are born to older parents.
Truth: Most children with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35 years old simply because younger women have more children. However, the likelihood of having a child with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother, especially after age 35.

Myth: All people with Down syndrome have a severe cognitive disability.
Truth: Most people with Down syndrome have a mild to moderate cognitive disability or intellectual disability. This is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Be considerate of the extra time it might take a person who has a disability to get things done or said.

Myth: People with Down syndrome are always sick.
Truth: Though people with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, and thyroid conditions, advances in health care and treatment of these conditions have allowed for most individuals with Down syndrome to lead healthy lives.

Myth: People with Down syndrome are always happy.
Truth: People with Down syndrome have feelings just like anyone else. They experience the full range of emotions. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior.

Myth: Adults with Down syndrome are the same as children with Down syndrome.
Truth: Adults with Down syndrome are not children, and should not be considered children.  They enjoy activities and companionship with other adults and have similar needs and feelings as their typical peers.

Myth: Adults with Down syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationships leading to marriage
Truth: People with Down syndrome socialize and have meaningful friendships. Some choose to date, maintain ongoing relationships and marry.

Myth: Adults with Down syndrome are unemployable.
Truth: Businesses employ adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions – in banks, corporations, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, offices, and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, childcare, the sports field and the computer industry, to name a few. Like anybody else, people with Down syndrome want to have a job where their work will be valued.

Myth: It is ok to use the “r-word” if you don’t really mean it.
Truth: It is never acceptable to use the word “retarded” in any derogatory context. Using this word is hurtful and suggests that people with disabilities are not competent.

Use this language when referring to Down syndrome and people who have Down syndrome: