End The Stereotypes

"I have Down’s Syndrome but that is not all I am."-Sarah Gordy. Down Syndrome (DS) impacts approximately 1 in 800 births worldwide. Down Syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down Syndrome. This means that Down Syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 700 babies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declares that Down Syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows during pregnancy and after birth. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. A medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is ‘trisomy.’ Down syndrome is also referred to as Trisomy 21. This extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges for the baby. People with Down syndrome usually have an IQ (a measure of intelligence) in the mildly-to-moderately low range and are slower to speak than other children. World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed annually on March 21. This year's theme is 'End The Stereotypes'. The day is designated to promote awareness about Down Syndrome and to assist those who live with the condition. World Down Syndrome Day calls for people around the world to end the stigma around this disorder which is ideally based on limited information or personal experience. By increasing knowledge and acceptance, we can work towards creating a more inclusive society that values every individual, regardless of their differences. It is essential to highlight the unique strengths and abilities of people with Down Syndrome and dispel myths and misconceptions that give rise to many stigmas and discrimination. Common physical features of Down Syndrome include:. • A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose • Almond-shaped eyes that slant up • A short neck • Small ear • A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth • Small pinky fingers that sometimes curve toward the thumb • Shorter in height as children and adults Types of Down Syndrome. The CDC states that there are three types of Down Syndrome. People often cannot tell the difference between each type without looking at the chromosomes because the physical features and behaviors are similar. • Trisomy 21: About 95% of people with Down Syndrome have Trisomy 21. With this type of Down syndrome, each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual 2 copies. • Translocation Down Syndrome: This type accounts for a small percentage of people with Down Syndrome (about 3%). This occurs when an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present, but it is attached or “trans-located” to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21. • Mosaic Down Syndrome: This type affects about 2% of the people with Down Syndrome. Mosaic means mixture or combination. For children with mosaic Down Syndrome, some of their cells have 3 copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have the typical two copies of chromosome 21. Children with mosaic Down Syndrome may have the same features as other children with Down Syndrome. However, they may have fewer features of the condition due to the presence of some (or many) cells with a typical number of chromosomes. Treatments. Down Syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down Syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Most of these services focus on helping children with Down Syndrome develop to their full potential. These services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and they are typically offered through early intervention programs in each state. Children with Down Syndrome may also need extra help or attention in school, although many children are included in regular classes. Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation. The Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation (JDSF) is a nonprofit organization established on October 26, 2007. The Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation is a member of Down Syndrome International (DSI) and were signatories to the 2011 successful appeal of DSI to the United Nations to recognize March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day. In commemoration of the day, the JDSF arranges activities locally to bring awareness of the condition. The JDSF is committed to empowering families and caregivers of children with Down Syndrome (DS) by way of education and communication. This will help children with DS achieve their highest potential. A study conducted by the JDSF shows that the incidence of Down Syndrome in Jamaica is 1 in 868 live births. This is in keeping with the international experience. Currently, over 600 families of children with Down Syndrome have registered with the Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation. It has now been well documented that early intervention will result in children with Down Syndrome having better skills, higher levels of function and a better quality of life. Early Inventions. Early intervention means that children with Down Syndrome will also live longer. Importantly, the life expectancy for people living with DS has now increased to 60 years. Understanding Down Syndrome takes time. It is also important that more resources be made available to the care and welfare of those with Down Syndrome. It is critical that governments build more special needs schools as well as subsidize intervention sessions in order to facilitate parents to give their children the necessary intervention. It is true that early intervention will result in the best outcome for these individuals. We must work to engender a kinder society where parents of children with Down Syndrome no longer feel ashamed to take their children out in the public spaces. It is also imperative that governments implement effective strategies to create more inclusive societies for all. On this World Syndrome Day let us lend our voices to advocate on behalf of those individuals who are impacted by Down Syndrome. It is essential to highlight the unique strengths and abilities of people with Down Syndrome and dispel myths and misconceptions that give rise to many stigmas and discrimination. By promoting awareness, societies can empower individuals with Down Syndrome to succeed and contribute in their own way to their communities. Let us join forces to end the stereotypes as we promote inclusivity. In the words of Madeline Stuart, aren't we all human? Don't we all deserve to be respected and treated equally? Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com © #WorldDownSyndromeDay #EndTheStereotypes