How common is Down syndrome?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 772 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common chromosomal condition. About 5,100 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year

The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother, true. However, due to higher birth rates in younger women, 51% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

People with Down syndrome do have cognitive delays. The effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

– From the National Down Syndrome Society

This section is a compilation of answers to the questions most commonly asked by our members and families. If you can’t find the question you wanted to ask, don’t hesitate to contact us.

How do you talk to a child about Down syndrome?
PLEASE USE THIS LANGUAGE WHEN REFERRING TO DOWN SYNDROME AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE DOWN SYNDROME:

• People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first.
• Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.”
• Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease.
• People “have” Down syndrome, they do not “suffer from” it and are not “afflicted by” it.
• “Typically developing” or “typical” is preferred over “normal.”
• “Intellectual disability” or “cognitive disability” has replaced “mental retardation” as the appropriate term.
• The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) strongly condemns the use of the word “retarded” in any derogatory context. Using this word is hurtful and suggests that people with disabilities are not competent.

What does your organization do?
Our organization raises awareness and helps individuals with Down syndrome and their families through extensive programs and services.

How can I get involved?
We’re always on the lookout for individuals like you wanting to get involved. Visit our How To Help section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.

If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
We have a stewardship responsibility to our community and our donors and are dedicated to long-term sustainability of the organization.

What is your organization’s privacy policy?
Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit.

CADSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID is #55-0821583. Make a donation here.