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1 In Every 700 Babies Is Born With Down Syndrome In The U.S.

Photo by Rich Johnson CC BY-NC-SA 2.0: http://bit.ly/39JOtxY

Down syndrome is the most common genetic chromosomal disabilityaround the world. Approximately 6,000 babies are born with Down syndrome every year in the U.S., but much about the disorder is still unknown or misunderstood.

There are three different types of Down syndrome, the most common being Trisomy 21 (95%) which is defined as having an additional third separate copy of chromosome 21. Less common types are called Translocation and Mosaic Down syndromes. The cause is still unknown.

The average lifespan of someone living with Down syndrome was 25 years prior to 1983, but is now 60 years old in developed countries. What are some common misconceptions about individuals living with Down syndrome and their daily lives?

How should families prepare for a child with this diagnosis? What resources and support services are available for people living with Down syndrome, and for their parents, families or caregivers?

Guests:

"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org  or tweet @TPRSource.

*This interview was recorded on Tuesday, January 7.

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Kim Johnson is the producer for Texas Public Radio’s live, call-in show The Source. She is a Trinity University alum with bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Spanish, and a Master of Arts Degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dallas Williams is a Producer for The Source at Texas Public Radio. With a degree in Mass Communication — Broadcast Media, Dallas brings a unique perspective and a passion to producing a live, call-talk show.