Down Syndrome Awareness Month is Here!
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
Down syndrome is a condition most commonly recognized as having an extra chromosome! Typically, the nucleus of each cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes, half from each parent. An individual with Down Syndrome has a full or partial copy of chromosome 21 (hence the other name for Down Syndrome is Trisomy 21). This additional copy affects various parts of the body, so the individual may have low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and single deep crease across the palm of the hand. These characteristics may vary among individuals, and each person is unique!
Most individuals with Down Syndrome receive various types of therapies, including speech, occupational and physical therapy. These therapies help the individual reach their own goals based on their abilities. Therapy can occur during early intervention stages (Birth-3), school age and even beyond school to help transition to working in the public. Therapy can also help with individuals who participate in the Special Olympics games and activities to help with strength, balance, coordination and endurance.
Here a few statistics:
- 400K+ live with Down Syndrome.
- 6,000 born annually with Down Syndrome.
- 60 years old is the life expectancy of an individual with Down Syndrome
Resources:
https://ndss.org/about
https://www.specialolympics.org/stories/news/down-syndrome-awareness-month
Whitney Castle, PT, DPT