Dear Health Care Professional,

Today, people with Down syndrome are achieving more than ever thought possible. People born with Down syndrome, who only twenty five years ago may have been institutionalized, are now living independently and semi-independently, obtaining paid employment, graduating from high school and attending post-secondary schools. They are musicians, artists, actors and athletes. People with Down syndrome have friendships and meaningful relationships and marry. While it is important to avoid placing unrealistic expectations on children with Down syndrome, they should be challenged to do their best and follow their dreams-just like any child.

As health care professionals, we are in a unique position to both shape parents’ first impression of their child and also to guide that child’s health throughout his or her life. From the moment of diagnosis, it is important to deal with each child as an individual with unique strengths and challenges.

The world is changing for people with Down syndrome and the medical community must also change. We must challenge ourselves to recognize and overcome our stereotypes and to treat these children and their families with the highest level of care. I believe we are up to the task.

William Cohen, MD
Director, Down Syndrome Center
Auxiliary Faculty, The "UCLID" Center at the University of Pittsburgh
Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Child Development Unit
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh