-Down syndrome is really the only trisomy compatible with life. The other trisomies, 13 and 18, only have a 5% chance of living longer than a year.
-In 90% of cases, the extra chromosome comes from the mothers egg rather than the fathers sperm.
-Down syndrome was originally described in 1866 by John Langdon Down. It wasn't until 1959 that French doctor Jerome Lejeune discovered it was caused by the inheritance of an extra chromosome 21.
-In adulthood, many people with Down syndrome hold jobs, live independently and enjoy recreational opportunities in their communities.