What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition (caused by extra genetic material on chromosome 21), which means that people who are living with Down Syndrome are born with this condition. Down syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in every 860 births worldwide, and is present in all countries and affects male and females alike. Down syndrome is the commonest cause of intellectual disability in the world - and yet people with Down syndrome can enjoy very fulfilling and high quality lives with the right support.

Children who are living with Down Syndrome in resource-poor countries experience significantly less access to high quality health care and social services, and as a result their quality of life is far worse than that of their neighbours in high income settings.

There are some resources available below:

- Ten things people with Down syndrome would like you to know

- Down Syndrome NSW

- People with Disability

International Organisations

• Down Syndrome International
• National Down Syndrome Society (New York, USA)
• National Down Syndrome Congress (Altanta, GA, USA)
• Down Syndrome Educational Trust (UK)
• DSA of the United Kingdom
• Down's Syndrome Scotland
• Down Syndrome Ireland
• Canadian Down Syndrome Society
• comprehensive list of international DSAs
• International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association
• Japan Down Syndrome Society
• Mosaic Down Syndrome UK (also has eGroups to support parents and kids/adults with MDS)