Happiness Related to Down's syndrome

In a report issued recently, a large majority of parents said they were optimistic on life raising someone with Down’s syndrome.  90% of siblings also reported happiness.  The results will be documented in an upcoming issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics.

As international discussion is mounting over the new prenatal tests, family members have now had their say about life with Down syndrome,” said Susan Levine from the disability nonprofit Family Resource Associates, who worked on the study alongside researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “And, more importantly, the people with Down syndrome themselves have clearly stated that they consider their lives valuable.”

Individuals with Down’s syndrome are content with their lives.  Most of the people with Down’s syndrome questioned were content about themselves and the way they looked.  Just 4% were unhappy about their lifestyle.

However the research may be tainted.  All of the people questioned came from families who are associated with Down’s syndrome groups.  Researchers still maintain the results are worthwhile.

Down’s syndrome life: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/09/22/down-syndrome-families-happy/14087/