October is World Down Syndrome Awareness Month and is the perfect time to learn about and support people with Down syndrome.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome each year in the United States, and more than 400,000 people in the country currently live with Down syndrome.
The life expectancy of people with this disease has increased dramatically in recent years. According to the World Down Syndrome Foundation, he was only 25 years old in 1983 and is now 60 years old.
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Here's everything you need to know about Down syndrome and everything you can do to spread awareness about it.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month around the world. Approximately 5,700 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year. (St. Petersburg)
- What is Down syndrome?
- What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
- Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?
- What is the ribbon that represents Down syndrome?
- How do you observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month?
1. What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a disease in which babies are born with an extra chromosome.
Chromosomes determine the formation and function of the body. People born with an extra chromosome experience changes in the way their bodies and brains develop.
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Babies are usually born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have a complete or partial copy of chromosome 21.
The most common type of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all cases.
Down syndrome is a disease in which babies are born with an extra chromosome. The most common type of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all cases. (St. Petersburg)
Less common types of Down syndrome include translocations (caused by rearrangements of chromosomal material) and mosaicism (when two types of cells are mixed).
Experts say there is no known way to prevent the condition during pregnancy and the underlying cause is unknown.
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One of the risk factors associated with Down syndrome is maternal age. For a 25-year-old pregnant woman, the chance is approximately 1 in 1,250. According to statistics, at the age of 40, it is 1 in 100 people.
2. What are the symptoms of Down syndrome?
Down syndrome has both physical and developmental symptoms.
Physical symptoms include a flattened face. I'm short. short neck. Small ears, hands and feet. According to the CDC, decreased muscle tone.
Physical symptoms include a flattened face. I'm short. short neck. Small ears, hands and feet. According to the CDC, decreased muscle tone. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Developmental symptoms include short attention spans, impulsive behavior, learning delays, and delayed language development.
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Although these are all common symptoms, not all children with Down syndrome exhibit all of these characteristics.
3. Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month important?
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month promotes education about Down syndrome. (Anda Chu/Digital First Media/The Mercury News via Getty Images)
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is “a month to raise awareness and celebrate the diverse abilities of our loved ones with Down syndrome,” according to the National Down Syndrome Association, which created the occasion in the 1980s.
“Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disability,” the Special Olympics website states.
“Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disability.”
“So it makes sense that we designate October of each year as Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness about Down syndrome and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.”
“People with Down syndrome still face stereotypes and myths, but over and over again they are reminded that Down syndrome is just a part of who they are and does not define them or limit their abilities. “We have also shown that,” the statement continued.
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“That’s why it’s so important that we help spread the message of love, acceptance, inclusion and respect during Down Syndrome Awareness Month and throughout the year.”
4. What ribbon represents Down syndrome?
The Down syndrome awareness ribbon is blue and yellow. People can choose to wear blue and yellow ribbons throughout the month to spread awareness.
Others choose a day to wear blue and yellow to spread the word about people with Down syndrome and support them throughout the month.
The Down syndrome awareness ribbon is blue and yellow. (St. Petersburg)
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21st every year. This means that people with Down syndrome have three times as much chromosome 21 (3.21).
5. What can you do to observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month?
Informing yourself and others about Down syndrome is one way to honor this opportunity throughout the month. You can learn by reading books, articles, and watching documentaries.
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You can leverage your knowledge and spread awareness to others by sharing information on social media.
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21st every year. This means that people with Down syndrome have three times as much chromosome 21 (3.21). (St. Petersburg)
Throughout October, a number of events, fundraisers and walks dedicated to Down syndrome awareness will be held across the country.
You can also start your own fundraiser and support local businesses founded by or inspired by people with Down syndrome.
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There are also many volunteer opportunities during this time. GiGi's Playhouse and Special Olympics are two examples of participating organizations.
