Down syndrome

Michael Herzenberg and his birth mother, Lee.

Health & Safety

Only Human: A Birth That Launched The Search For A Down Syndrome Test

11:49am April 26, 2016

by Mary Harris

After Stanford scientist Lee Herzenberg gave birth to a son with Down syndrome, she and her husband worked to find a noninvasive test that would help mothers learn about the health of the fetus.

Susan Kaphammer and her son, Joshua Myers, on a recent visit with StoryCorps.

National

A Mom, A Son With Down Syndrome — And The Love That Made A 'Curse' A Gift

5:00am February 19, 2016

by NPR Staff

Joshua Myers once found his condition so overwhelming, he considered suicide. Now 29, he says he loves his life. What's more, his mom says he's taught her something special: "how to love."

Alyssa Smith readjusts Desiree Andrews' hair as they cheer for the seventh grade basketball team at Lincoln Middle School on Monday in Kenosha, Wis. The gym has been dubbed

Athletes Help Cheerleader With Down Syndrome Defy Bullies

5:39pm March 13, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Desiree Andrews is a cheerleader at Lincoln Middle School in Wisconsin. She has Down syndrome — and as some hecklers learned last year, she also has the support of her school's basketball team.

Ultrasound is often used for prenatal screening. It's just one of several prenatal screenings available to pregnant women.

DNA Blood Test Gives Women A New Option For Prenatal Screening

7:30pm February 24, 2015

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

A simple blood test can analyze bits of fetal DNA leaked in the mother's bloodstream. It's less risky than invasive alternatives like amniocentesis, but it doesn't tell as much about fetal health.

Queue Listen Now

Justin McCowan poses for a portrait outside of his house in Santa Monica, Calif., on Aug. 14.

Death Cuts Short The Life Of An Alzheimer's Research Volunteer

4:45pm September 29, 2014

by Jon Hamilton

Justin McCowan wanted to help find a cure for Alzheimer's because it's more common in people like him who have Down syndrome. He died in his sleep last week at age 40.

Queue Listen Now

Health & Safety

More Women Skip Some Prenatal Tests After Learning About Risks

3:41pm September 24, 2014

by Alison Bruzek

Research suggests that women may not be getting the information they need to make informed decisions about prenatal genetic testing, particularly invasive tests that can harm the fetus.