Today may appear to be just another day to most people. It's a Thursday, Friday is around the corner and weekend festivities are on your mind. Its the 21st of March and you're sitting at work reading this blog instead of doing other work you probalby should be doing, right? Just another day in the life of a healthcare staffing industry professional (or whatever professional industry you may be in). Seems like a fair enough statement, right? Well today is actually a pretty special day that you probably aren't aware of.
Today is also a world-recognized holiday, World Down Syndrome Day. Down Syndrome may seem like such a scary term, but in reality those who have DS aren't too different than those who are considered "normal". What is "normal" anyway? We all have something special to offer, and are different in our own ways. What makes someone with DS any different?
"Having Down syndrome is like being born normal. I am just like you and you are just like me. We are all born in different ways, that is the way I can describe it. I have a normal life."
What is Down Syndrome?
If you are unfamiliar with Down Syndrome, it is a genetic condition in which a person is born with 47 chromosomes rather than the "typical" 46. The extra chromosome will appear on the 21st chromosome. Sometimes you will hear this condition referred to as Trisomy 21.
What are some symptoms?
Although symptoms range from mild to severe per each individual case, there is still a widely recognizable physical appearance to those who have this condition. Some common phyiscal traits may be a smaller than normal and may appear as round with a flat area on the back of the head. Other physical features include a flattened nose, almond shaped and upper slanted eyes, small ears and mouth and a crease in their short, wide hands with short fingers.
Isn't Down Syndrome a rare disorder?
Actually, the answer is no. Per the National Down Syndrome Society's official site:
"Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, or approximately 6,000 births per year. Today, there are more than 400,000 people with Down syndrome living in the United States."
How can I show my support?
As recommended by the World Down Syndrome Day Official site to support those with Down Syndrome wear extra socks today! Make it fun - bright colors, different patterns, mix-and-match. They also offer many other options to show your support.
How do I find out more about WDSD?
For more information on World Down Syndrome Day visit the official site or click here for more information on Down Syndrome.
Where can I get support for my child with Down Syndrome?
If you have a child or know someone with a child who has down syndrome and are looking for support there are a couple great resources to check into:
