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.