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Down Syndrome Awareness Month: 5 key questions answered

Down Syndrome Awareness Month: 5 key questions answered


As October marks World Down Syndrome Awareness Month, it’s an opportune time to study and assist these with the situation.

About 5,700 infants are born within the U.S. with Down syndrome annually, and greater than 400,000 individuals within the nation at the moment reside with it, in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The life expectancy of these with the situation has elevated dramatically over time. In 1983, it was simply 25 years previous, however it’s now 60, per the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.

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Below is all the pieces you must learn about Down syndrome and how one can assist unfold consciousness about it. 

Read on …

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month all over the world. About 5,700 infants are born within the U.S. with Down syndrome annually. (iStock)

  1. What is Down syndrome?
  2. What are the signs of Down syndrome?
  3. Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month vital?
  4. What ribbon represents Down syndrome?
  5. How do you observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

1. What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a situation through which a child is born with an additional chromosome. 

Chromosomes decide how the physique types and capabilities. Those born with an additional chromosome expertise modifications in the best way the physique and mind develop.

A child is often born with 46 chromosomes. A child with Down syndrome has a full or partial copy of chromosome 21.

The most typical kind of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all circumstances. 

Less frequent forms of Down syndrome are translocation (brought on by rearranged chromosome materials) and mosaicism (when there’s a combination of two forms of cells). 

There are not any recognized methods to stop the situation throughout being pregnant and no recognized root causes, specialists say.

little boy with down syndrome playing in a park

Down syndrome is a situation through which a child is born with an additional chromosome. The most typical kind of Down syndrome is trisomy 21, which accounts for 95% of all circumstances. (iStock)

One threat issue related to Down syndrome is the age of the mom — for a 25-year-old pregnant girl, the chances are about 1 in 1,250. At age 40, they’re 1 in 100, statistics present.

2. What are the signs of Down syndrome?

There are each bodily and developmental signs of Down syndrome. 

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Physical signs embrace a flattened face; shorter top; quick neck; small ears, palms and toes; and decreased muscle tone, in line with the CDC.

doctor checks the heartbeat of down syndrome child

Physical signs embrace a flattened face; shorter top; quick neck; small ears, palms and toes; and decreased muscle tone, in line with the CDC. (BSIP/Universal Images Group through Getty Images)

Developmental signs embrace a brief consideration span, impulsive habits, sluggish studying and delayed speech growth. 

While these are all frequent signs, not each youngster with Down syndrome will show every one among these traits.

3. Why is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month vital?

A child with down syndrome laughs in music class

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month promotes training in regards to the situation. (Anda Chu/Digital First Media/The Mercury News through Getty Images)

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month is “a month to lift consciousness and have a good time the numerous talents of our family members with Down syndrome,” in line with the National Down Syndrome Society, which created the event within the Eighties. 

“Down syndrome is among the most typical forms of mental disabilities,” states the Special Olympics web site.

“Down syndrome is among the most typical forms of mental disabilities.”

“So, it’s no shock that every 12 months in October, we acknowledge Down Syndrome Awareness Month to lift public consciousness in regards to the situation and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.”

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“People with Down syndrome nonetheless face stereotypes and myths, however they’ve proven repeatedly that the situation is only one a part of who they’re and doesn’t outline them or restrict their talents,” the assertion continued. 

“That’s why it’s so vital that in Down Syndrome Awareness Month and all 12 months lengthy, we assist unfold the message of affection, acceptance, inclusion and respect.” 

4. What ribbon represents Down syndrome?

The Down syndrome consciousness ribbon is blue and yellow. People can select to put on a blue and yellow ribbon all through the month to unfold consciousness.

Some additionally select days to put on blue and yellow clothes to unfold the phrase and assist these with Down syndrome all through the month. 

Adult and child hands holding blue and yellow ribbon for Down syndrome awareness

The Down syndrome consciousness ribbon is blue and yellow. (iStock)

World Down Syndrome Day is well known on March 21 annually – which stands for the tripling of the twenty first chromosome (3.21) in individuals with the situation.

5. What are you able to do to look at Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

Educating your self and others about Down syndrome is one solution to honor the event all through the month. You can educate your self by studying books and articles and watching documentaries. 

For extra Health articles, go to foxnews.com/well being

You can take your information and unfold consciousness to others by sharing info on social media. 

Woman Down syndrome

World Down Syndrome Day is well known on March 21 annually – which stands for the tripling of the twenty first chromosome (3.21) in individuals with the situation. (iStock)

Through the month of October, there are many occasions, fundraisers and walks across the nation devoted to Down syndrome consciousness. 

You may also select to arrange a fundraiser of your personal or assist an area enterprise based by or impressed by people with Down syndrome. 

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There are additionally many volunteer alternatives to reap the benefits of throughout this time. GiGi’s Playhouse and Special Olympics are two examples of organizations that take part.

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Written by EGN NEWS DESK

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