As a result, the average Down s child will live to age fifty-five and beyond. All individuals with DS have some degree of mental deficiency. Most children can be educated within the school system, learn academic and vocational skill, perform independent living activities, and join the social scene. They enjoy sports, music, drama, dancing, games, and dating. In the past twenty years, the trend in the U.S. has been heading away from institutionalization.
Children living at home can attain a much higher IQ and function better independently.
Parental love and care have a major impact on the child s development. Society is also beginning to realize that the average child with DS is affectionate and well-mannered, and can become an integral part of the family. The over whelming majority of parents who have opted to raise their child at home have no regrets. On the contrary - they can t envision life without their little boy or girl. It is not uncommon for women with DS to bear children, although they do run the risk of giving birth to a baby with the disorder, although there are no documented medical reports of men with Ds fathering a child, current medical research finds it quite possible.