Many children with Down syndrome dream of dating, getting married, and someday having a family of their own. With mental retardation being one of the hallmarks of Down syndrome, it is difficult for these children – when they reach adulthood – to accomplish these dreams. In the past, mental retardation was equated to permanent childhood but as the years have gone by and there is more accurate knowledge regarding Down syndrome it has been discovered that adults with Down syndrome have the same intimacy needs and sexual feelings as that of the general population of adults.