Three related surveys led by Dr. Brian Skotko at Children’s Hospital Boston suggest that the experience of Down syndrome is a positive one for most parents, sibling and people with the condition.
Among the studies, in this month’s issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics, more than 2,000 parents or guardians of children with DS, said they loved their son or daughter and were proud of him or her. Only 4 percent said they regretted having their child.
Often, those who have a family member with a disability, such as Down syndrome, receive unexpected lessons as a result of that relationship.
For instance, the majority of parents who participated in the research said their outlook on life is more positive because of their son or daughter with DS. And most believe their other children are more caring and sensitive because they grew up with a sibling with the condition.
When siblings were asked about their brother or sister with DS, 94 percent expressed feelings of pride.
And when questioning the ever-positive people with DS (ages 12 and older), nearly 100 percent said they were happy with their lives, liked who they were and how they looked.
To read the surveys:
Parents/guardians: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajmg.a.34293/pdf
Brothers/sisters: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajmg.a.34228/pdf
People with Down syndrome: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajmg.a.34235/pdf
Source: Brian Skotko, Sue Levine, and Rick Goldstein, Children’s Hospital Boston researchers.
