Surveys show that many parents feel that raising their child who has Down Syndrome is a fulfilling and rewarding experience. This research is being talked about at the same time that news of a new, non-invasive, test for Down Syndrome becomes available.
Three separate surveys were conducted by doctors at Children’s Hospital in Boston. These surveys were given to around 2,044 parents or guardians of children who had Down Syndrome. A total of 79% of them reported that their outlook on life was more positive because of their child who had this particular special need. Researchers think that most people would be surprised by this result.
Questions were also asked of children who were age 12 or older about how they felt about their sibling who had Down Syndrome. This was done in a survey separate from the one that asked questions of parents. Almost all of them, 97% expressed feelings of pride about their brother or sister. A total of 88% said that they believed that they were better people because of their sibling who had Down Syndrome.
Another survey also asked questions to adults who had Down Syndrome. Here, the results were undeniably positive. Just about all of these respondents, 99%, said that they were happy with their lives. A total of 97% said that they liked who they are. 96% said that they liked how they looked.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 6,000 babies are born with Down Syndrome each year. This equates to one in 697 births. Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder. People who have it can range from high functioning and healthy to severely disabled and unable to communicate. Typically, people who have Down Syndrome die rather young, often when they are in their 50s.
Right now, women who are pregnant can take a blood test, and have an ultrasound, in order to find out if the baby that they are carrying has Down Syndrome. However, a definitive diagnosis requires amniocentesis. This procedure is used to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid, or a sample of the placenta. It is an invasive procedure, and carries a risk for miscarriage.
According to Boston’s Children’s Hospital, around 90% of women who learn that their unborn child has Down Syndrome choose to terminate the pregnancy. This decision is made by thousands of women each year. There is concern that this number could rise as the result of a new, non-invasive, test for Down Syndrome.
The new test is the first of its type that is non-invasive. It is an inexpensive blood test that detects fetal DNA in the mother’s bloodstream. This test can be used to determine if a fetus in the early weeks of pregnancy has Down Syndrome.
It is hoped that the information from the surveys will influence more people to keep their babies that have Down Syndrome. The surveys paint a lovely picture of how positive and fulfilling life can be for parents of kids who have Down Syndrome, for that child’s siblings, and for the child himself as well.
Critics of the surveys point out that the results are inaccurate, because only the parents of kids with high functioning Down Syndrome chose to respond. It doesn’t reflect what life is like for parents of kids who are more severely disabled.
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