National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

As October begins, I want to talk about Down syndrome, as October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. But first, let’s talk about what Down syndrome is and how it affects everyday life for those who have it.

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where someone is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. Instead of 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 chromosomes total), people with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes, including an extra copy of chromosome 21, in each cell of the body.

There are three types of Down syndrome. The first type is trisomy 21, which is the most common type. This type leads to having three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two copies. The second type is called translocation. In this type, part or all of an extra chromosome is attached to another chromosome. The third and final type is called mosaicism, where some of the cells have the extra chromosome 21.

Common signs of Down syndrome can be found in differing facial features, including a flat face and nose bridge, small ears and mouth, shorter height and smaller muscle tone. As people with Down syndrome get older, they might develop dental issues, heart disease and other health complications. People with Down syndrome may also face learning challenges. Learning challenges may involve cognitive skills, gross motor skills or language skills that do not develop as quickly in the earlier stages of life, such as being able to speak. Learning to walk and move may also take more time for those with Down syndrome. Some of the main ways that this genetic condition can be treated are by using hearing aids, wearing glasses and attending therapy, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Now that we know a little bit about what Down Syndrome is, let's talk a little bit about what National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is. In 1984, the National Down Syndrome Society designated the month of October as the time to celebrate people with Down syndrome. The main purpose of the month is to celebrate the abilities and accomplishments that these individuals have achieved, while advocating for social inclusion. It was also started to promote public education on Down syndrome and for people with Down syndrome. There is a separate World Down Syndrome Day, though this is celebrated on March 21. In 2017, the National Down Syndrome Society launched the End Law Syndrome campaign, which addressed a handful of laws that would not let individuals with Down syndrome pursue a career or live independently without risking Medicaid benefits.

Though not everyone has Down syndrome, it’s something that everyone will experience at some point in life. Whether this is by living with it or interacting with someone who does. Understanding the condition and showing empathy towards those with it goes a long way in breaking the stigma surrounding Down syndrome, creating a more inclusive world for everyone.