Movie And Television Actor
(and Millburn New Jersey Boy) John C. McGinley
Discusses his Down Syndrome Son Max,
the Global Down Syndrome Foundation,
and the needs for more tolerance and research
Source: National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS.org)
In the United States, one in every 691 babies (about 6,000 per year) is born with Down syndrome (also known as Trisomy 21), making it the most common chromosomal disorder.
Approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome. Most are born to mothers under 35 years old; the incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. Only 1% of all cases of Down syndrome have a hereditary component. The estimated chances of having another baby with Down syndrome is 1 in 100 up until age 40.
Most people with Down syndrome have cognitive delays that range from mild to moderate. A few of the common physical traits are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. These traits can appear in varying degrees, or not at all.
Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. More
New Jersey Down Syndrome Groups
- 21 Down / Down Syndrome Awareness Group
- (email) Billy’s Buddies
- Buddy Walk of South Plainfield – Serving Central New Jersey
- BUDS “Bringing Up Down Syndrome”
- Central New Jersey Down Syndrome Parent Advocacy Group
- Down Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey
- Down Syndrome Congress of Northern New Jersey
(East Hanover: Phone 973-386-9458) - Down Syndrome Group of Northwest New Jersey
- Down Syndrome Support Group of Family Resource Associates
- Jersey Shore Down Syndrome Association
- KIIDS – Knowledge and Information about Individuals with Down Syndrome, Inc.
- (email) (email) Network 21 (Metuchen: Phone 732-634-3299, 732-549-8468)
- Our Little Hero C.O.P. Organization
- (email) Roxbury Parents For Exceptional Children (Succasana: Phone 973-598-0848)