Individuals with Down syndrome often experience inadequate medical access because of societal and communication boundaries, and because of sociocultural contexts. For example, this discrimination inhibits those with Down syndrome from receiving proper access throughout the course of their lives in receiving the necessary types of doctors and treatments. 

Discrimination in medical settings

Individuals with Down syndrome are discriminated against across various settings because of negative and inaccurate perceptions of the disability. This discrimination limits the health, quality of life, and opportunities of individuals with Down syndrome. Discrimination is often present in medical, educational, and employment settings. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

As opposed to some health conditions or disabilities, Down syndrome occurrence is not associated with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or geographic location. However, the health outcomes and lived experiences of individuals with Down syndrome and their caretakers may differ and have disparities among marginalized racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. 

Disparities

Studies have revealed racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes among individuals with Down syndrome, particularly concerning life expectancy and congenital heart disease. 

Racial and Ethnic Disparities 

The Down syndrome community was highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; disproportionately impacted compared to typically developing people. A study from the American College of Physicians Public Health Emergency Collection reported that individuals with Down syndrome have a 4 fold increased risk for COVID-19 related hospitalization and a 10 fold increased risk in COVID-19 related mortality. The study discusses that the various health comorbidities of Down syndrome cause individuals with Down syndrome to have predispositions to other respiratory infections and diseases. 

 COVID-19 Disparities in individuals with Down syndrome

Socioeconomic factors (especially the education level of the mother/parents, income level, and geographic location) play a significant role in the health and quality of life outcomes of individuals with Down syndrome and their caretakers, and their lived experiences. Studies have shown that socioeconomic factors particularly have an impact in the prenatal detection of Down syndrome and the termination of diagnosed pregnancies. 

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