Down Syndrome Brings Joy, Not Regrets, for Many Families

Reader Comments
Back to article

Hey G - You have to read Skotko's full study to judge its ethics. He gives percents, does't say "all" anywhere. The data is actually quite reflective of reality, while those potential bias are mentioned, I can tell you from experience of meeting many parents of children with DS, that his findings are much closer to reality than you might believe. The best proof is in studying the divorce rate of families with a child with DS. Turns out they divorce less than those of parents with only typical kids:
http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=6087
That is after the data was adjusted for any biases, and it speaks to the truth of the matter quite powerfully.

Brad of CA 3:28PM October 01, 2011

The study and this article are both misleading.
They both misleadingly imply that the results are representative of EVERYONE with Down syndrome.
False. According to MSNBC article, "the findings are limited by the fact that the families willing to document their experience in a survey tend to be those with a Down syndrome child on the healthier and more high-functioning end of the spectrum."
Also: "The responses from 284 people with the condition came just from those able to respond; other (sic) are too disabled to do so."
It is unethical for Skotko to fail to indicate that he is providing a skewed and partial view. He's also unethical for trying to get doctors to falsely claim that life for *ALL* DS individuals is wonderful.

G of FL 10:49AM October 01, 2011

My child who has Down syndrome is the easiest of my 4 girls to parent hands down. She gets mad, frustrated and sad just like all 11 year old girls do, but she overall is a VERY happy and confident person. I wouldn't change having Down syndrome in our lives for anything!!!!

Nicole M of KY 5:14PM September 30, 2011

This survey reflects what we parents have always known; there is great joy amid the challenges while raising a child with trisomy 21. But overall life for our children has never been better.
Medical researchers tell us that within a decade, safe drugs will be available which will make the learning and memory of those with T21 absolutely normal. At this time, thanks to advances in therapies and education, young adults with Down syndrome are breaking all types of records; driving a car, living independently, graduating from college, acting in TV series like "Glee", getting married (see the award winning film "Monica and David") and swimming Lake Tahoe like Karen Gaffney. Who knows what my nine year old daughter Christina will be able to do when those drugs are available?
What frustrates us is that often the medical community is unaware of this, and when a mother is expecting a child with T21, and is afraid, it is assumed that she will abort. Over 90% of women who receive a prenatal diagnosis do terminate, and such beautiful children who families insist are gifts to society, are lost. That is why I am publishing my book, "A Special Mother is Born" which contains 34 stories from parents of special needs children who affirm the joy that the parents who filled out the survey expressed.
Up with Down syndrome!

Leticia Velasquez of CO 11:22AM September 30, 2011