Oh the inaccuracies!

I was pointed in the direction of a news article that was published this month, in honor of Down syndrome Awareness Month, and was disgusted by the inaccurate information it contained. As others stated, it appears to be a middle school student's research paper.

Here's the complete article, 10 Down Syndrome Facts. By merely reading on the NDSS website, the editor could of verified that the following statements are out-of-date:

Almost 95% of Down syndrome babies are born with an extra chromosome in each cell, making 47 instead of the usual 46.

Fact: the remaining 5% of people with Down syndrome have Mosaic Down syndrome, which means a certain percent of their bodies cells contain the extra chromosome.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects about one in every 1000 live births.

Fact: One in every 733 babies born in the U.S. has Down syndrome.

Children who have Down syndrome have broad and flat faces, flattened nose bridges and slanting eyes. They used to be called ‘mongoloid’ because of this Eastern appearance.

Fact: A person with Down syndrome may or may not have those physical features. Some have several characteristics in common with others with Ds, others only have a few.

The average life expectancy of children born with Down syndrome is 35 years if they survive the first five years.

This one made me sick to my stomach when I read it! NO! That is not right!

Fact: The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 56 today.

Survival rate at birth and through early childhood is very high. There is no reason to make the remark "if they survive the first five years." As medical advances continue to be developed, this age is only going to go up!

Many Down syndrome kids have heart problems.

Fact: 40% of of people with Down syndrome have heart defects. Some require open heart surgery to repair, others require medication, and others eventually resolve on their own.

Their average IQ is 50, as opposed to a 100 in children who are not mentally impaired.

Again, another inaccuracy that made my heart sink.

Fact: Most people with Down syndrome have IQs that fall in the mild to moderate range of retardation. Children with Down syndrome are definitely educable and educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome.

Wow, wonderful article. Great way to encourage newly diagnosed parents to feel positive about their child's future. Can you read my sarcasm???

The article gives readers the option of voting on how they liked the article. Please rate it low and if you are inclined, email the editor! We want it pulled! I do not want a scared, worried parent with a prenatal diagnosis to Google Down syndrome and find out of date information like this. That parent may be making a life or death decision and I want them to hear the FACTS and good stories about what life is really like!

Thank you friends.