Sociodemographic Characteristics of Families of Children with Down Syndrome and the Economic Impacts of Child Disability on Families

摘要: Abstract This chapter reviews the research examining demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of families children with Down syndrome as well how other disabilities impact economic situations families. Two consistent patterns are found. First, parents on average older than children. Second, more likely to have social advantages in terms parental education, income, race/ethnicity status relative intellectual or developmental disabilities, a “Down advantage.” In addition, most US studies find that live-born infants be born Hispanic less Black African American parent infants. Financial impacts child such can result from high out-of-pocket expenditures reduced employment earnings. Studies differ specific results whether effects disability greater among two-parent one-parent fewer mothers paid work force part-time is substituted for full-time employment. Reductions maternal appear function severity medical condition time requirements care. As age, effect current appears decline, but permanent reduction earnings capacity household savings altered career trajectories. Many experience financial stress, part underinsurance. Public programs, notably Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, help buffer caring serious disability.