Down Syndrome Awareness 2021

Introduction
Chromosome 21 trisomy occurs when a person is born with Down syndrome. As a result of the extra genetic material, the development path is altered, and Down syndrome-related features are manifested. As of yet, no one knows what causes the extra chromosome that leads to Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the most prevalent chromosomal abnormality, affecting one in every 691 U.S. newborns.
More than 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome, making it the most common genetic condition in the country. There is an increased risk of having a child with Down syndrome as the mother ages; nonetheless, 80 percent of Down syndrome infants are delivered to women under 35 since this age group gives birth the most frequently.

What is Down syndrome Awareness Month?
During Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we have the opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for Down syndrome, and include people with Down syndrome in our daily lives. During the month of October, raise awareness of the talents and accomplishments of persons with Down syndrome by celebrating them.

Why we celebrate Down syndrome Month

Down Syndrome Awareness Month began in the 1980s and has been celebrated annually in October since. During this time, persons with Down syndrome should be recognized for their contributions. When it comes to basic human needs, people with Down syndrome are no different than anybody else. A prosperous job and a happy family are among their aspirations. When they turn 18, they’ll be capable of several things: driving themselves to work or school; going on dates; dating; getting married, and contributing to society.

They’re allowed to play sports as well. All sports, including swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and athletics, have seen remarkable success among athletes with Down syndrome. They’ve taken up endurance sports like triathlons and open water swimming in recent years.

Importance of Down syndrome awareness month

It’s reassuring to see this development. People with Down syndrome can benefit from Down Syndrome Awareness Month by being included, understood, and given additional chances. In addition, it raises public awareness about the existence of Down syndrome. This is a really motivating read. This month, which is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, encourages us to focus on strengths rather than limitations.

How to observe Down syndrome awareness month

• Disseminate information- In order to commemorate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Down Syndrome Information Alliance advises performing 31 random acts of kindness, one for every day of October.

2. Take part in a walk with friends. With over 250 walks taking place in all 50 states and a few foreign nations, Buddy Walk has become the world’s biggest and most recognized Down syndrome awareness program, according to the National Down Syndrome Society.”

3. Volunteer. During Down Syndrome Awareness Month, there are many things you can do, but volunteering with one of the numerous Down syndrome advocacy groups is one of the best and most successful.

Facts about Down syndrome

• The disorder was first described in print in the 1860s by Dr. John Langdon Down, who gave it the term Down syndrome. It wasn’t until 1975 that the term “Down syndrome” became universally accepted.

• More than 400,000 persons in the United States have Down syndrome.

• One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome, making it the most prevalent chromosomal abnormality.

• While the likelihood of a child being born with Down syndrome increases with the mother’s age, the majority of children born with Down syndrome have moms who are under 35 years old. Pregnancy-related Down syndrome is not caused by anything a parent does or does not do; it occurs at random.

• Trisomy 21 is the most frequent kind of Down syndrome, meaning an extra copy of the 21st chromosome is not passed down through the family. About 5% of instances include translocation or mosaicism, the other two kinds.

• Down syndrome affects both sexes equally and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Infants with Down syndrome have historically been abandoned or killed. Many persons with Down syndrome have been institutionalized throughout history, including in the contemporary day.

• Individuals with Down syndrome may have modest to significant cognitive impairments. The majority of persons with Down syndrome have happy and fruitful careers.

• Some medical problems are more common in persons with Down syndrome. Congenital heart abnormalities, lung problems, hearing troubles, Alzheimer’s disease, leukemia, and thyroid diseases are just a few of the ailments on this list.

• Most Down syndrome cases are caused by trisomy 21 (nondisjunction). An estimated 5% of instances are the result of translocation and mosaicism working together.