What is Down Syndrome?
Each year, about 6000 babies are born with down syndrome, which makes it one of the most common developmental conditions in children. Put simply, down syndrome is a condition where a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes contain the genetics that make up who we are, so having an extra chromosome can delay physical and mental developments in children.
The Effect On Kids
Down syndrome can be detected in the pregnancy stages through screening and diagnostic tests. The effects of it can differ from child to child; generally, children with down syndrome grow at a slower rate than the typical child, as they often have low muscle tone. Children with Down syndrome have a greater risk of having congenital heart defects, hearing or vision problems, and other medical conditions, all of which are often treatable.
Although it is a lifelong condition, there are many services such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy that help children with down syndrome to grow their physical and mental skill set and reach their full potential.
How to Help
The most basic way is to educate yourself and others, use respectful terminology, and advocate for equality and relief. Recognize that people with down syndrome are differently abled but not restricted from achieving their goals and changing the world. Every individual simply takes a different path in their life, but we all have the potential to make positive change. At the end of the day, our differences are what make us beautiful, and we can find unity in that diversity.
Preferred Language Guide: https://www.ndss.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NDSS-Preferred-Language-Guide-2020-2.pdf
National Down Syndrome Society for Resources & Ways to Help: https://www.ndss.org/
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