Study: Children with Down Syndrome Not a Burden to Families

To most of us, the idea of raising a child with Down Syndrome is less than desirable and could be a daunting experience. But parents nowadays are sharing their experience and revealing happy lives with their little angels.

CBS News reports that in a survey, 87 percent of families who have a member with Down Syndrome said they loved him or her. Roughly the same percentage said they were proud of them as well.

A CBS News reporter shares her personal experience with her daughter Margot, who has Down Syndrome. At first, Marguerite Reardon was less than thrilled with the news that Margot would be born with the syndrome. She called it unfair and had thoughts about terminating her pregnancy and just trying again. But knowing she was just afraid, Reardon made the decision along with her husband to keep the baby. Medically, babies with Down Syndrome are more likely to be born with a heart defect and require surgery during infancy. They are also at higher risks of leukemia, thyroid disorders, and Alzheimer's in their 40s. Thankfully, most of these no longer pose a threat due to medical advancements and life spans of people with Down Syndrome have steadily increased.

But aside from all this, Reardon wanted to know what day-to-day life would be like once the baby arrived. She discovered Gigi's Playhouse in New York, a nonprofit organization started by Nancy Gianni whose third child Gigi had Down Syndrome. The goal of Gigi's playhouse was to educate, celebrate, and be a place where families can find support. There Reardon found what she needed to see to expel any fears and doubts she had left of having her baby.

Now, Reardon shares that she and her husband enjoy Margot so much and she knows her baby is special, not because she has Down Syndrome, but because of the twinkle in her eye.