People with Down syndrome have been mistreated, aborted as fetuses, and denied basic human rights such as education and medical care (Smith, 2011). Why are people with Down syndrome treated differently from the rest of society? This may be due to a lack of understanding and respect towards them, thus creating a stereotype against Down syndrome. This essay will discuss the challenges faced by people with Down syndrome, as well as the effectiveness of current policies and services available to them. My uncle ran away from home in 2013, only to be found the next day by some policemen on patrol. He was born with Down syndrome and lives with my grandparents. Being old and frail, I am unable to take my 35 year old uncle out, so he is stuck at home most of the time. Uncle always has a frown on his face, which led me to believe that all people with Down syndrome are born unhappy. Another peculiar characteristic of the uncle is to behave like a child. He always complains and grumbles when told to put his shirt on or to eat, just like a seven-year-old would behave. I had initially thought that people with Down syndrome were immature and had the mental capabilities of a minor, but only recently did I realize that perhaps it wasn't his fault for behaving that way, but the family's. Uncle is always scolded by his parents and siblings like a child would be, so his behavior hasn't changed since he was little. I always thought that people with Down syndrome were incapable of taking care of themselves, let alone fitting in with society. However, I am now more knowledgeable about Down syndrome and believe that one can contribute to society with the support of family, community and society itself. By age 35, a woman's risk of conceiving a child is... halfway. .....students can share their experiences and observations about people with Down syndrome with their families and friends. By increasing awareness in society of the abilities they have, the stereotype against people with Down syndrome will be eliminated. People with Down syndrome have feelings just like any of us. They reciprocate acts of friendship positively and feel upset by reckless behavior (National Down Syndrome Society, 2012). It is therefore important that society treats them fairly, as many are able to work in the community. Although there are numerous services available to educate and prepare them to face the world, they may feel ostracized by society due to the misconceptions and stereotypes formed about them. Therefore, the best way to help them integrate into society is to treat them with respect and understanding.