Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting between 1 in 800 to 1 in 1,000 children born every year. These statistics are heavily influenced by a variety of factors, not least of which is the age of the mother and father at the time of pregnancy - conception.

However, as a genetic problem, Down Syndrome can affect any as yet unborn child.

It is frequently diagnosed at or before birth, and will never "develop" in a child that doesn't have it at or shortly after conception.

Because the causal factor of Down Syndrome is the presence of an extra all or part of a twenty-first chromosome, no child without an extra of that chromosome can ever get it. It is not contagious.

It is not due to a genetic defect on the part of the parents, except in very rare circumstances, nor does it happen due to either environment nor parental behaviour - at least not to any extent that can be quantified.

It appears a random event that happens either during the formation of egg and/or sperm cells, or a random event that occurs shortly after conception.

With Affirmative action Children with Down Syndrome are frequently capable of quite a full and happy life.

While they often suffer from learning disabilites and physical problems, early intervention is key to ensuring a high quality of day to day life.

These children do best when they are treated on a holistic basis, which means that every part of their lives is tailored to maximize their potential.

Families must create a good overall home environment that takes the child's needs into account, common medical problems should be attended to immediately, and educational programs need to be tailored to each individual child's capabilities.

Children with Down Syndrome vary considerably in what they can and cannot learn, and at what pace, so the importance of individual assessment cannot be overemphasized.

Any learning disorder that Down Syndrome children suffer from can also be found in children without the genetic problem, so general special needs programs at schools can help considerably in the right context.

Beginning early intervention methods shortly after birth does tend to help with any cognitive impairment the child might suffer from.

Children with Down Syndrome also frequently show a lag time between understanding language and speaking it, so a child may benefit from spoken classes much sooner than he can answer during them.

It is not possible to predict what health or cognitive impairments any given child may have until it comes up.

There have been children with Down Syndrome that have gone on to become actors, artists, and musicians with the right environment and training.

Down Syndrome children require a great deal of emotional support and understanding from their families and friends, not least because of the condescension and prejudice they must face from the rest of the world.

In addition to any other problems they may have, they experience social rejection and exclusion as painfully as any child. In addition, they may have problems recognizing and reacting to social situations accurately.

However, given the individual support, education and attention they need, children with Down Syndrome frequently lead high-quality, generous lives.