La vida en pareja con el síndrome de Down

Abstract

The improvement in the living conditions of individuals with Down's syndrome has opened enormous opportunities to lead a normal life and take advantages of projects in keeping with their expectations and hopes. The integration into schools and workplaces, participation in the community, and an independent life are the scenarios that have enabled them to study, work, have friends, a partner and, occasionally, their own home. The emancipation from their families is still exceptional, but is a challenge that culminates in a voluntarily chosen life project. The most usual tendency is that they live indefinitely with their families until these die and then go on living with another family member or in an institution. For many of them it is unthinkable to live alone, form a partnership or have sexual relationships.

But, what do individuals with Down's syndrome want? As members of our reality, they want the same as other young people: to have a job, a partner, a home and to be able to live together. In some cases these wishes have received the support of the families, who with a certain amount of risk and bravery, have offered them the opportunity to form their own family unit and enjoy a normal life with the necessary support. This article is drawn from the real and daily experience of 14 years of supporting the emancipation process of these individuals who have started to live together as a couple and a family.