Achieving more today
With improved access to early intervention and inclusive education, many people with Down syndrome are
now reaching higher levels of achievement in all areas of development, including language, literacy
and numeracy.
People with Down syndrome are achieving more
People with Down syndrome can lead happy and fulfilled lives. Increasingly they are being offered the
opportunities to do so. These opportunities have been driven by changes in social attitudes, advances
in healthcare and a clearer understanding of the developmental difficulties facing people living with
the condition.
Quality care and education matter
Despite the common additional chromosome shared by most people with Down syndrome, outcomes differ.
Not all people with Down syndrome experience the same health problems and there is a wide range of educational
and development achievement. Different educational environments and learning support have a major impact
on progress for children with Down syndrome.
Effective support builds on scientific knowledge
Clinical, developmental and educational research over the past 30 years has informed better services
for people with Down syndrome today.
The identification of the specific health needs of people with Down syndrome has informed preventative
medical care. Along with general advances in medicine and equal access to treatment, this has improved
life expectancy for people with Down syndrome in more developed countries from around 12 years in 1950
to 60 years today.
Similarly, identification of the specific cognitive, behavioural and developmental profile associated
with Down syndrome is informing more effective developmental interventions and educational strategies.
With improved access to early intervention and inclusive education, many people with Down syndrome are
now reaching higher levels of achievement in all areas of development, including language, literacy
and numeracy.