Jen Craft

Labour — Thurrock

Speaking in the House of Commons on 8 July 2025

Debate

Contribution

I beg to move, That this House has considered Down’s syndrome regression disorder research. I am honoured to serve under your chairship, Sir Jeremy. Down’s syndrome regression in a mild form is not uncommon among people with Down’s syndrome. It represents the loss of previously acquired developmental skills, which can include a slight decline in the ability to speak, reduced interest in social activity, or increased dependency on caregivers. With the right care or behavioural support, people experiencing mild regression often make a complete recovery, and yet in a small proportion of people with Down’s syndrome, there is a much more dramatic and devastating loss of skills. The regression such people experience is profound and the onset stark. Typically, it occurs in young adults, who almost overnight can retreat into themselves and become uncommunicative, catatonic and uninterested. As more medical professionals have encountered that aspect of Down’s syndrome in the past 20 years, it has become known as Down’s syndrome regression disorder.

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