Individuals with mental handicap and mental illness are referred to as “idiots” and “imbeciles” and many are locked away in workhouses, prisons, and special cells of hospitals. By the end of the 18th century special institutions for the “mad” begin to develop.

1700s�People with mental handicap and mental illness are shunned by society and incarcerated

In 1866 John Langdon Down describes a set of observations on an “ethic classification of idiots”. These criteria were later used to describe the unique characteristics of Down syndrome.

1866Down syndrome identified

In the early 1930’s several researchers propose that Down syndrome may be the result of a chromosomal anomaly. In 1959 J. Lejeune, R. Turpin & M. Gautier demonstrate that Down syndrome was associated with nondisjunction, i.e. a failure of chromosome pairs to separate properly during cell division.

1930s�Genetic basis of Down syndrome discovered

In the early 1900’s survival of children with DS is very limited and life expectancy is estimated to between 9-12 years of age.

1900s� Short life expectancy

Genetic research leads to the discovery that three different types of chromosomal anomalies can result in Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (extra copy of chromosome 21 affecting all the cells in the body), Mosaicism (some of the cells in the body are normal and some have trisomy 21) and Robertson translocation (one arm of chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome). Trisomy 21 is the most common of all three.

1960s�Research into the genetic basis of Down syndrome expands

A genetically designed mouse with Down syndrome traits is developed to study the role of specific genes on chromosome 21. The development of this mouse model begins an crucial area of research linking genetics with the physical and cognitive characteristics of Down Syndrome.

1970s�Mouse model of Down syndrome is developed

1970s�Deinstitutionalization of people with Down syndromeParents begin demanding better services and information on Down Syndrome. Advocacy movement begins to change negative attitudes towards people with Down Synd.

Research into education and early intervention begins and many studies showed that infants and children with DS were capable of learning and that children who receive intervention show marked changes in developmental outcomes in comparison to those who do not.

1970s�Research into education and early intervention begins

Advances in pediatric cardiology and health care of infants with DS leads to early treatment of common heart defects resulting in an increase in life expectancy to between 40-50 years of age.

1990s�Longer life expectancy and improved quality of life

Research, education, advocacy and a change in societal attitudes leads to greater inclusion of children into the school system and adults into the workforce and facilitates increased integration into community.

2000s�Inclusion of people with Down syndrome

In 2002 the Down Syndrome Research Foundation moves into a world class facility that brings together researchers, families and clinicians to study Down syndrome and develop effective interventions

2002World class research facility opens in Vancouver

In 2005 the MEG lab opens. Advances in brain imaging are being used to peer into the living brain of people with and without developmental disabilities.

2005Peering into the brain

In 1993 the International Down Syndrome Federation is formed to promote human rights for those with Down syndrome.The Down Syndrome Research Foundation is founded in Vancouver in 1995. Increase in research in Quality of Life, Health Care, Genetics of Down syndrome.

1990s�Greater awareness of Down syndrome and formation of international organizationsThe earliest historical evidence of Down syndrome: terra-cotta sculpture

of an infant with Down syndrome from the Tolteca culture of Mexico .Flemish painting titled “Adoration of the Christ Child” (1515) by an unknown artist, shows a child with Down syndrome.

1500s�Earliest portrayal of Down syndrome

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