THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF DOWN'S SYNDROME

To the Editors of The Crimson:

With reference to the most recent issue of Dump Truck (April 27) I would like to comment on two points that are brought up:

1) In Ms. Bennett's article on Down's Syndrome she points out, in her initial listing of the characteristics of the condition, that low IQ is one of them. She then demonstrates, using the poignant example of Kathryn, that such a "child who manages to sneak by the preconceptions, although not of normal intelligence, is as sensitive, as creative and as loving, or more so, than his or her normal brothers and sisters." It should be pointed out that there is good evidence that IQ s of 100 (average) are attainable by afflicted children who have not been institutionalized. Kathryn's behavior is not that of a cretin. The effects of Down's Syndrome on IQ, given love and care, are far from pre-determined.

2) The discussion of Rh factor in the insert about amniocentesis needs clarification. The mother's blood cells do not destroy antibodies in the baby's blood. Blood cells of the baby that leak into the mother's circulation, during gestation or at the time of birth, stimulate antibody production on the mother's part. These antibodies, which can enter the fetus's circulation, then destroy the baby's red blood cells. Furthermore, it should be made clear that any transfusions that are performed are done at birth, not intra-uterinely. Mark R. Burns '73