In this Article

• Introduction to Down syndrome
• The Chromosomal Basis of Down syndrome
• Signs and Symptoms of Down Syndrome
• The Occurrence of Down syndrome
• Prenatal Screening and Diagnostic Testing
• A Diagnosis of Down Syndrome
• Down Syndrome and Associated Medical Disorders
• Newborns
• Infants and Preschool Children
• Early Intervention and Education
• Adolescence and Down syndrome
• Adults with Down syndrome
• Down Syndrome in the Workplace
• Future Research in Down Syndrome
• Questions and Answers About Down Syndrome
• Additional Resources for Information on Down Syndrome
• Down Syndrome Glossary
• Down Syndrome Index

Adults with Down Syndrome

The life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased substantially. In 1929, the average life span of a person with Down syndrome was nine years. Today, it is common for a person with Down syndrome to live to age fifty and beyond. In addition to living longer, people with Down syndrome are now living fuller, richer lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their community. Many people with Down syndrome form meaningful relationships and eventually marry. Now that people with Down syndrome are living longer, the needs of adults with Down syndrome are receiving greater attention. With assistance from family and caretakers, many adults with Down syndrome have developed the skills required to hold jobs and to live semi-independently.

Premature aging is a characteristic of adults with Down syndrome. In addition, dementia, or memory loss and impaired judgment similar to that occurring in Alzheimer disease patients, may appear in adults with Down syndrome. This condition often occurs when the person is younger than forty years old. Family members and caretakers of an adult with Down syndrome must be prepared to intervene if the individual begins to lose the skills required for independent living.

Down Syndrome in the Workplace

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it illegal for an employer of more than 15 individuals to discriminate against qualified individuals in application procedures, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, job training, and other terms of employment. The ADA requires that an employer provide reasonable accommodation for individuals who are qualified for a position. More information about the ADA can be obtained from the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 20201.

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