30 Sep 2025 
Did you know that 1 in every 775 babies in the U.S. is born with Down syndrome? October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the incredible individuals and families who make our communities brighter, more compassionate, and more inclusive. At Total Education Solutions, we believe awareness begins with understanding — and that means clearing up a few common myths.
MYTH 1: Children with Down syndrome can’t learn or succeed in school.
FACT: With the right supports, children with Down syndrome thrive in school and community settings. Individualized education, therapy, and family support make a huge difference. For instance, speech therapy can help with communication skills, leading to better academic outcomes.
MYTH 2: People with Down syndrome are always happy.
FACT: Individuals with Down syndrome experience the full range of emotions, just like anyone else. Recognizing and supporting emotional well-being is just as important as celebrating milestones. Access to counseling and peer support groups can help navigate these emotions.
MYTH 3: People with Down syndrome will always be dependent on others.
FACT: Many individuals with Down syndrome live semi-independently or independently, hold jobs, & build meaningful relationships. With early support, education, & community inclusion, they can lead fulfilling, self-directed lives. In the US, 20% of adults with Down Syndrome are employed. (Reynders et al., 2024)
MYTH 4: Families face this journey alone.
FACT: You are never alone. Free and public resources, like early intervention programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), provide critical support from infancy. Community organizations and parent networks also offer guidance. Total Education Solutions (TES) partners with families, schools, and insurance providers to deliver tailored services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and educational support, as well as virtual sessions for remote families.
MYTH 5: Down syndrome is caused by something parents did wrong.
FACT: It’s a random chromosomal variation (extra chromosome 21) that occurs at conception, unrelated to parental actions or lifestyle.
Down syndrome is just one part of a person’s unique and wonderful story. While these individuals shine brightly, everyday people with Down syndrome achieve personal milestones that are just as meaningful. Here are a few inspiring examples:
Each of these remarkable individuals helps redefine what’s possible; one goal, one dream, one step at a time.
If you’re a parent, you may be feeling a mix of emotions: excitement, uncertainty, love, and maybe a little fear. That’s okay. Every parent’s journey is different, and so is every child’s.
Children with Down syndrome bring incredible joy, empathy, and perspective to the world. They may reach milestones on their own timeline, but with love, patience, and the right support, they will achieve them and teach us all a great deal along the way.
Remember: You are not alone. The path may look different, but it’s filled with connection, growth, and moments worth celebrating every single day.
If you’d like to learn more or connect with support in your area:
Throughout October, join us as we share stories, resources, and highlights on our Instagram and Facebook. Join us in raising awareness and supporting inclusive communities—follow @TES4Kids to learn more, access helpful resources, and see how we empower individuals of all abilities every day. Help us spread awareness, break down barriers, and celebrate the beauty of inclusion—one story at a time.
At Total Education Solutions, we believe every individual has unique strengths, talents, and potential. Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a time to celebrate differences, promote inclusion, and advocate for the resources and opportunities that help individuals with Down syndrome thrive. For more information, contact us at 888-4TES-KIDS.
#DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #CelebrateAbilities #InclusionMatters #TES
Reference:
Reynders, S. S., Lombardo, A. M., Davidson, E. J., Guan, J. L., Pawlowski, K. G., Simons, N. Z., & Baumer, N. T. (2024). 15 years of inclusive employment in a Down syndrome clinic. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, Article 11612987. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.11612987
Written by: Traci Bean, MA, CCC-SLP
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