Down syndrome is a randomly occurring genetic condition caused by having an extra copy of chromosome 21. 

Babies with Down syndrome are born to parents of all races, countries, social classes and age groups. Every day in the UK between one and two babies with Down syndrome are born. This means that around 1 in every 1000 babies has Down syndrome. 

Three types of Down syndrome 

There are three types of Down syndrome and chromosome tests at birth will confirm a diagnosis of Down syndrome and identify the type: 
Trisomy 21 is the most common type and occurs in 95% of people with Down syndrome. This is when every cell has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. 
Mosaic Down Syndrome is when only some of the cells, not all the cells, have an extra copy of chromosome 21 and occurs in about 2-3% of cases. 
Translocation is when an extra part or whole extra copy of chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome. This occurs in about 2-3% of cases. 
All people with Down syndrome are likely to have some degree of learning disability but with the right support in place can go on to live long, valued and fulfilled lives. 

Everyone with Down syndrome is an individual 

Although people with Down syndrome share some physical characteristics, everyone with Down syndrome is an individual, each with their own unique personalities, likes and dislikes and abilities. What it means to live a fulfilled life will be different for each person. For babies the most important thing to remember is that they are babies first, with the same needs for love, attention and fun as any baby. Individuals with Down syndrome may take longer to learn but it does not mean they cannot learn and achieve, especially when the right support is in place. People with Down syndrome can continue to learn new skills throughout their lives just like everyone else. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q: Which type of school do children with Down syndrome go to? 

A: Nowadays lots of children with Down syndrome go to their local mainstream nurseries and schools and this can be very successful with the right support in place. For some, special school may be the best environment to support the child’s learning and progression. The choice is dependent on each child’s individual needs and the views of the family who know their children best! 

Q: What is the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome? 

A: People with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before, with some living healthy, active lives into their 60s, 70s and beyond. 

Q: Do people with Down syndrome all look like each other? 

A: No, they don’t! Although people with Down syndrome share some physical characteristics, they look more like their family members than other people with Down syndrome. 

Q: Are people with Down syndrome always happy? 

A: No! Definitely not! People with Down syndrome share the same range of emotions as anyone else: happy, sad, cross, upset, angry and everything in between! People with Down syndrome are all individuals each with their own personalities, interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes who, with the right support in place, can live the life they choose. 

Q: What does the future hold for a baby with Down syndrome? 

A: You can’t predict the future for any baby and so you certainly can’t predict the future for a baby with Down syndrome. 
 
What we do know is that nowadays there is more support in place to help people with Down syndrome to live their lives to the full in whatever way is right for them. There are more and more examples of people with Down syndrome having jobs, having loving relationships, getting married, leaving home and leading active lives as valued members of the community. 

How we talk about Down syndrome 

People with Down syndrome and their families like to make sure that the condition is talked about in a way that is factual and respectful. Here are a few ways you can help: 
Please don’t say 
Do say 
Suffers from OR is a victim of Down syndrome 
Has Down syndrome 
A Down’s baby/person/child 
A person/baby/child with Down syndrome or who has Down syndrome 
Retarded/mentally handicapped/backward/mental disability 
Learning disability 
Disease/illness/handicap 
Condition OR genetic condition 
The risk of a baby having Down syndrome 
The chance of a baby having Down syndrome