October 2022

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

21 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME

12. Down syndrome is also known as Trisomy 21 or T21 because Down syndrome happens when a person has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome.

13. People with Down syndrome are not ‘always happy.’ They have feelings just like everyone else.

14. People with Down syndrome can lead happy, independent, and successful lives. They can become TV stars, play symphonies, learn to drive, and even climb Mount Everest! Don’t count them out. 15. Approximately 1 in 700 babies will have Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition. This is true for all races, nationalities, ethnic groups, and classes.

16. In 1983, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome was 25 years old. Today, it is 60.

17. People with Down syndrome cannot be ‘more Downs’ than another. As with everyone else, each person with Down syndrome has their own strengths, weaknesses, talents, and abilities. The syndrome affects each individual differently, but what is the same: people with Down syndrome will make your heart happy!

18. We prefer ‘people first’ language. A person has/with Down

syndrome. Not a Down’s person or the Down syndrome kid because Down syndrome does not define who they are.

19.

Babies with Down syndrome have low muscle tone (known as hypotonia), so it will take them a little longer to talk, walk, and eat the same foods as others. They work extra hard, and they get there.

20. People with Down syndrome will help make you a better person.

21.

There is not a “spectrum” of Down syndrome. People cannot have mild or severe Down syndrome. You either have it, or you don’t.

SOURCE: National Down Syndrome Society, ndss.org About Down Syndrome (2022)

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