Introduction to Down syndrome

The health outcomes, life expectancy and life opportunities of people with Down syndrome have increased over recent decades and continue to do so. Many Australians with Down syndrome are now living well beyond their 60s.

Proactive health care is essential to ensure people with Down syndrome achieve and maintain optimal physical, mental and social health; see Preventive health and screening and advice on Common health problems.

The impact of trisomy 21 varies greatly between individuals. Some adults with Down syndrome have a mild disability and are able to live independently or with a partner or friends with few formal supports; others have severe disability and multiple complex medical issues, and need a high degree of support from family and carers in their daily life, and to access health care.

Down syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 800 live births and is more common as maternal age increases, reaching 1 in 40 live births in women older than 45 years. However, most babies with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35 years as birth rates are higher in this age group.