[Gareth321]

I think yours is not representative of the majority. Most places in the world can't afford dedicated carers, dedicated villages and housing, dedicated services, etc. [66-70% of Down's syndrome sufferers cannot live independently.](https://www.dscba.org/files/content/DS_functional_milestones...) Further, [11% cannot feed themselves, 26% cannot dress themselves, 29% cannot use the toilet themselves, and 52-54% cannot shower or bathe themselves.](https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/8/1012)

It gets worse. People with Down’s syndrome face all kinds of health issues. *Half* are born with heart defects. They have higher risk of hearing loss, vision problems, sleep apnoea, thyroid disease, coeliac disease, digestive problems, epilepsy, infections and leukaemia. They also have elevated risk of dementia later in life.

This is a hellish existence which no one would wish on their worst enemy. It's hell for the sufferers and it's hell for the family.