Down+Syndrome

[] Fact Sheet from NICHCY

Down Syndrome Groups

__Children of the Heart__ [] Children of the Heart serves families in the La Crosse, WI county as well as counties of Southwest Wisconsin and Southeast Minnesota. Children of the Heart is a group of family and friends of people with Down syndrome. The families who make up Children of the Heart are working together today to make a difference for tomorrow. There website contains monthly newsletters which contains local events.

__Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin__ (DSAW) [] The **vision** of the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) is that we all understand the value of those with Down syndrome in our lives and our communities. We continually strive toward //**full acceptance, full access, full life and full potential.**// __Chippewa Valley Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin__ [] The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin - Chippewa Valley chapter is a local resource for people with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, their families and others that support them. They are committed to providing support and information in the hope of cultivating awareness, respect and opportunity for those in our community touched by Down syndrome.

Link to Club21 website Down Syndrome information []

Article from Parent Magazine : []

About Down Syndrome

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that usually causes delays in physical, intellectual, and language development. The incidence of Down syndrome in the United States is estimated to be 1 in every 800-1,000 live births (about 4,000 individuals each year) affecting approximately one-quarter million families.

Down syndrome occurs at the moment of conception. While the likelihood of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, 80% of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35, as more women is this age group give birth to more babies overall. There is a wide variation in mental abilities, behavior, and physical development in individuals with Down syndrome. Each individual has his/her own unique personality, capabilities, and talents.

30 - 50% of the individuals with Down syndrome have heart defects and 8 - 12% have gastrointestinal tract abnormalities present at birth. Most of these defects are now correctable by surgery.

Individuals with Down syndrome benefit from loving homes, early intervention, special education, appropriate medical care and positive public attitudes. In adulthood, many persons with Down syndrome hold jobs, live independently and enjoy recreational opportunities in their communities.

We live in an exciting time when people with Down syndrome are going to have opportunities to do things they have never been able to do before. Our kids have early intervention programs, resources and expectations placed on them like they have never had in the past. It is going to be so exciting to see just what they can accomplish when the sky is the limit!"