Sophia Ayra C.

Ortega
2014-09648
HFDS 114
Adult with Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is defined as the production of extra chromosomes instead of 46
chromosomes the person has 47 that causes a physical and mental delays in the long
run. In the Philippines, there are 1 out of 800 Filipino babies that has a condition of down
syndrome. There are more than 100,000 Filipino families living with a person that has
down syndrome. Some studies showed that the cause of having a child that has down
syndrome is linked to the mother’s age. The higher the age of the mother the higher the
risk of having a child that has down syndrome. Even though down syndrome is common
in the Philippines not all people has a knowledge in regard to it. Thus, every February,
the Philippines celebrated National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month in which the
public is being informed that even a person with down syndrome can participate and has
a role in the society. As you can see, there are two adults that has down syndrome but
yet they have achieved their dreams like Paolo Pingol (26 yrs. old) and Brina Maximo (21
yrs. old). But still they need us since on the quote said by Brina "Please continue to believe
in us and please help us. We also deserve the chance to live the best lives that we could."

As the person become older adult with down syndrome experienced accelerated aging in
which they are more at risk in faster sensory loss, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and
Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, as a caregiver or guardian of a person with down syndrome
they must always look for opportunities to give comfort and reassurance to the person. It
may be verbal or non-verbal way to show your support to them. There must be a plan
made by the guardians for the person with down syndrome as he/she become old. These
are things needed by the person with down syndrome which is staying socially connected
and having a good living environment and housing. In conclusion, everyone that grow
older may have its ups and down. But for those adults that has down syndrome and for
their caregivers it may have a more difficult life but they always think to stay positive in
life and continue their goals which must be the inspiration of a normal adult.

Reference:

ABS-CBN News. (2016, February 26). Actor with Down Syndrome stars in indie movie.
Retrieved March 13, 2018, from http://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/v1/02/26/16/actor-
with-down-syndrome-stars-in-indie-movie

Agner, M. (2017, July 7). This Girl with Down Syndrome Just Graduated from College.
Retrieved March 13, 2018, from https://www.candymag.com/features/this-girl-
graduated-college-despite-being-told-she-couldn-t-finish-grade-school-a00205-
20170707

Moran, J. (2013). Aging and Down Syndrome A HEALTH & WELL-BEING

GUIDEBOOK. New York: NDSS.

Nicdao, J. (2018, February 4). [Infographic] Down Syndrome in the Philippines.

Retrieved March 13, 2018, from https://today.mims.com/infographic-down-syndrome-in-
the-philippines