Do you view Down Syndrome as a spectrum?

There have been so many stereotypes on people with Trisomy 21, otherwise known as Down Syndrome. Here are a few:

•Socially inept

•They all look the same

•Require special education

•Always delayed both physically and cognitively

•Short life span with little quality (Short life span is entirely inaccurate for T21 people. The average lifespan is 60.)

•Requiring constant care for their whole life

•And they are marked as "disabled" even if they are very capable.

These are generalizations that apply to some, not all Trisomy 21 people. Down syndrome is viewed as "one size fits all", when in fact it is a spectrum much like the autism spectrum. There are low functioning and high functioning people with down syndrome.

For example, my son has Trisomy 21 (down syndrome). He has an extra 21st chromosome. Instead of two, he has three. He is expected to be a high functioning child. He hits his milestones quite early, even for typical children. He started trying to roll over at a month and a half. He could pick his head up quite early on. He started pulling himself up into a sitting position using my fingers to grip onto at three months old. He doesn't struggle with much. The only thing he struggles with is his suck swallow breathe reflex with regards to eating and has low muscle tone in his cheeks. I have been told that he doesn't look like he has Down Syndrome. He is a very social baby. The nurses in the nicu loved him because he loves to cuddle and be held. He smiles, he giggles, and he recognizes faces. He's very expressive.

So here are my questions:

Poll question: Do you view Down Syndrome as a spectrum?

Bonus questions to answer in the comments:

•What stereotypes have you heard and do you believe they're accurate?

•Have you ever researched Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21 or T21)?

•Do you believe that Hollywood portrays these stereotypes?