Cases of Down Syndrome occur in 1 of 691 births per year in the United States as a result of the presence

of an extra chromosome 21 at conception. Although individuals with down syndrome tend to experience
some health problems throughout their lives, recent medical advances have increased their life expectancy.
Parents of children with down syndrome have access to therapeutic and educational supports through early
intervention and public school system.
There are three phenotypes of Down Syndrome which includes trisomy 21, mosaicism and translocation of
a chromosome. The most common type is the trisomy 21 which accounts for 95 per cent of patients. In this
type, there are three number 21 chromosomes rather than the normal 2 which is a result of failure of a
chromosome to follow the normal separation process into daughter cells. Mosaicism occurs when
nondisjunction occurs late in development and both normal and abnormal cells are affected. This condition
tends to be less severely affected in physical appearance and intelligence. Translocation occurs when a
piece of chromosome in pair 21 breaks away and attaches itself to another chromosome.
Hanson, 2003 explored the parents parenting experiences across time span of 25 years and significant
challenges that were recalled by the families including coping with health and medical problems and events
that relative to teasing and ostracism of their child by others. Parents express disappointment with the
overall lack of support that was available to them revealed positive outcomes including the joy the child had
brought to the family and the personal growth of family members as a consequence of being a parent or
sibling to a child with down syndrome.