#8 I have a child with Down Syndrome, and there seem to be some misconceptions here. Let me clear them up:
1) Something like 95% of DS births have nothing, genetically speaking, to do with either the mother or father. It's just something that happens to roughly one out of 900 pregnancies.
2) DS is never "severe" nor "mild." There is a list of serious to trivial physical and cognitive impairments which any given person with DS may - or may not - get. Most individuals fall within the middle: moderate cognitive impairment, some modest medical problems.
3) My own daughter is eight, very healthy (if a bit plump), and has an estimated IQ of 42. She loves princesses, YouTube Kids, dolls, and the color yellow. She can read about 80 words and grasps the basics of math. The other children in her school generally like her, and include her in play. Her life isn't - and probably won't be - unhealthy or unproductive. Under current statistics, her life expectancy is about 55 - longer than Alexander the Great lived.
4) Many questions about "mild" or "sever" DS miss the ethical point: namely, that these are human beings with souls. They have inherent rights. They are, on the whole, highly valued by their families and communities. If you don't believe me, go try to adopt an American baby with Down Syndrome of any race. You will find there is a waiting list.
5) I'm not a highly lovable man. I'm opinionated, pushy, and prone to anger. I don't have a vast number of close friends. My marriage isn't exactly a Hallmark Channel love story. But I know -know- my daughter with Down syndrome loves me. And that gives me a reason for getting up each morning, getting behind the mule, and plowing.
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