Pessimistic Views' WU has quite rightly replaced mine, but it leaves out some bits and pieces that might be of use/interest. So here they are.

Down's Syndrome is often still called Mongolism, although this is no longer considered politically correct.

Trisomy 22 is also sometimes called Down Syndrome, although perhaps incorrectly.

If you're in the UK, you will most likely hear it called 'Down's Syndrome', or simply 'Down's'. 'Down Syndrome' is the US term.

My best estimate is that Trisomy 21 accounts for about 20% of all cases of mental retardation. I did the math myself, based on (sound) estimates of the 'number of mentally disabled in the US' against the 'number with Down Syndrome in the US'. I would like a more certain number, if anyone has it.


This WU may be deleted if the information in it is assimilated.