Down Syndrome children have high IQ, specialist says

DHA chief calls for the need to integrate them into mainstream

from Gulf News:
Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) held a campaign to raise awareness about Down Syndrome at the Al Barsha primary health care centre last week.

Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition, which affects physical and mental development. It is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome.

The event was inaugurated by Eisa Al Maidour, Director-General of the DHA. More than 30 families with children and adults with Down Syndrome took part in the programme.

In the UAE, one out of 319 babies have Down Syndrome. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates the incidence of Down Syndrome to between 1 in 750 live births worldwide.

Al Maidour said it is essential that people are made aware about Down Syndrome. “There is a need to further integrate those affected into society,” he said.

“These awareness initiatives help people understand Down Syndrome better and provide an active platform for people dealing with Down Syndrome to raise their queries.”