From the Asbury Park [NJ] Press with video:

Parents of children with Down syndrome say the healthy, fulfilling lives of their children, like Conor Wright, 18, (shown left), are a far cry from the bleak picture often given by doctors delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis.

A new federal law is supposed to “better inform medical professionals and parents about the realities of the genetic condition” instead of focusing on outdated information and the worst possible outcomes, advocates say.

Better health care and inclusion mean that people with Down syndrome are living longer and more meaningful lives — attending regular schools, holding full-time jobs, playing an active role in their communities, and some even driving cars and attending college.

Conor’s mother, Joyce Wright, says “Life is good,” says Joyce Wright, Conor’s mother.”There are challenges, but the positives so outweigh the negatives.”

See also:

Family says Down diagnosis needn’t be seen as a burden — Asbury Park Press

Earlier posts here and here.

(Asbury Park Press photo)

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 at 11:48 am and is filed under Down syndrome, NOT2BEMISSED, families, intellectual/developmental disabilities, medicine, parents, prenatal diagnosis, quality of life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post