Care/Support Groups
Down's Syndrome Scotland
Down's Syndrome (DS) is the most common form of learning disability, occurring in about 1 in 700 births. It occurs at random, caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in every cell in the body.
Nothing the parents did during pregnancy or before can have caused DS. It is rarely hereditary and so is in no way 'the family's fault'. DS is not a disease, it is not contagious, it cannot be caught or passed on.
There is no 'cure' for DS. However, there are many things that can be done to help a person with DS to reach his or her full potential and to lead an interesting, happy and fulfilling life.
Some people with DS will have associated health problems, for example with their hearts, ears, eyes or digestive systems. These may require medical attention but it is not the case that everybody with DS is frail and delicate. Contrary to the common misconception, people with DS can enjoy active, satisfying lives well into middle age and beyond.
Like all of us, people with Down's syndrome need support, respect and the right to take decisions for themselves. Often the greatest disability they have is other people's attitudes. The SDSA works to change public attitudes and help create the conditions in which people with DS can enjoy a good quality of life in the heart of their communities.
Address:
Down's Syndrome Scotland
158/160 Balgreen Road
Edinburgh
EH11 3AU
Tel: 0
Fax: 0
E-mail:
Website: http://www.dsscotland.org.uk/
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