In a recent survey of parents who have children with Down syndrome, they reported that when they were notified of their child's diagnosis they wished their doctor would have focused more on the positive aspects of the disease. Women who were notified as a result of prenatal testing determined that the doctor presented the syndrome as an extremely negative situation to be in and most generally began the conversation with the words, "I'm sorry". It is important to note that 90% of pregnant women who are given a diagnosis of Down syndrome choose to terminate the pregnancy. This number may be less if the information initially given to the parents included the positive aspects of the syndrome.

Adults with Down syndrome are living to be well into their forties and are able to have jobs and to socialize. Some adults are able to live independently with the help of assisted living centers or group homes. Unlike other children who are born with diseases that cause mental retardation, Down syndrome is one where very few of the children require specialized supervision well into adulthood. While they do require the guidance of their parents or caregivers throughout their entire lives, other mentally retarded adults are not capable of any kind of independent living.

Children who are living with Down syndrome are capable of attending school, learning, athletics, and even playing musical instruments. This is not unlike children who do not have Down syndrome. Down's children go through puberty and even give their parents the same type of mood swings that regular children in puberty cause their parents. The difference is that Down syndrome children have a particularly joyful and calm spirited disposition. They are more typically agreeable and willing to be supervised. In many cases, they welcome guidance and help from others. Children with Down syndrome are known for their keen sense of humor and their love of live in general.

Most parents enjoy watching their children achieve their milestones. Parents who have children with Down syndrome particularly enjoy watching their children meet their developmental milestones. It is a miraculous experience for these parents to watch their children sit up, crawl, talk, and begin to use words. The little accomplishments are extremely rewarding to the parent and reinforce their choice to parent this child. Most children with Down syndrome have a heroic level of perseverance.

In addition to the positive traits of the person with Down syndrome, these children also bring positive traits to their families. Research has shown that children who grow up with a sibling that has Down syndrome are more tolerant of people who are different from them and are less likely to be caught up in groups of children who mistreat those who are not like themselves. Down syndrome tends to bring a sense of calm and thanksgiving to a family that may otherwise not recognize life's little pleasures. Children and adults with Down syndrome bring happiness, fulfillment, and inspiration to the world that no just anyone can bring. It is a different type of positive that cannot be taken for granted.