October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a chance to spread awareness, education, advocacy and inclusivity throughout communities. The month of October is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of individuals with Down Syndrome!

Down Syndrome Facts:

• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of the development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Approximately 1 in 700 babies in the U.S are born with Down syndrome.
• There are 3 types of Down syndrome:
  1. 1. Trisomy 21: Each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual 2. 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21.
     2. Translocation Down Syndrome: This occurs when an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present, but attached or “trans-located” to a different chromosome, rather than being a separate chromosome. This type accounts for a small percentage of people with Down syndrome (about 3%).
     3. Mosaic Down Syndrome: Mosaic means mixture or combination. Some of the cells have 3 copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have the typical 2 copies of chromosome 21. This type affects about 2% of the people with Down syndrome.
• Common Physical Traits include:
  • • Low muscle tone
    • Small stature
    • Upward slant to the eyes
    • Single deep crease across the center of the palm

Preferred Language:

• People with Down syndrome should ALWAYS be referred to as people first.
• Instead of saying “a Down syndrome child”, say “a child with Down syndrome”.
• Down syndrome is a condition or syndrome, NOT a disease.
• “Typically developing” or “typical” is preferred over “normal”.

For more information on Down syndrome, follow the link: https://www.ndss.org/about-down-syndrome/down-syndrome/