World Down Syndrome Day is observed on March 21 every year, with an aim to spread awareness about the Down syndrome that has always been a part of the human condition.
The day was first officially observed by the United Nations in 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
On this day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organise and participate in activities to raise public awareness and create a single global voice advocating for the rights. Let’s take an in-depth review of the issues faced by people facing Down syndrome.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a condition in which a human has, partially or wholly, an extra copy of chromosome 21. Usually, humans have two copies of this chromosome, but those with Down syndrome have three, and so the syndrome is also called ‘Trisomy 21’.
Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms during pregnancy and how the baby’s body functions as it grows in the womb and after birth. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. The extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges for the baby.
Even though people with Down syndrome might act and look similar, each person has different abilities. 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.
Theme 2021
Down syndrome is prevalent all over the world, with an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 children being born with this syndrome worldwide every year, as per the United Nations. The syndrome has an estimated incidence of 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births globally.
This year, the theme of the day has been decided as “We CONNECT so that we can” #CONNECT by the United Nations. The idea behind this theme is to demonstrate that it only takes a human being to connect with another and it is the connection between people that helps in the worst situations.
What are the causes?
In all cases of reproduction, both parents pass their genes on to their children. These genes are carried in chromosomes. When the baby’s cells develop, each cell is supposed to receive 23 pairs of chromosomes, for 46 chromosomes total.
In children with Down syndrome, one of the chromosomes doesn’t separate properly. The baby ends up with three copies, or an extra partial copy, of chromosome 21, instead of two. This extra chromosome causes problems as the brain and physical features develop.
Any Cure?
There’s no cure for Down syndrome, but there’s a wide variety of support and educational programs that can help both people with the condition and their families. Services early in life will often help children with Down syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities.
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.
They need respect
There is no reason to mourn the artistry of God. A child with DS can be born in anyone’s home as it occurs by chance and at random. It has no link to a parent carrying a gene for DS but the regressive mindset of our society often blames the parents for the birth of a disabled child.
Parents resort to hiding these children in their homes without providing them proper education and care. According to a Quranic verse, “We have indeed created man in the best of moulds” (95:4). Each one of us deserves to be respected in a society that is inclusive of everyone.
Invest your time in volunteering and donate to organisations working for the betterment of people with DS. The day we realise the strength and perseverance of anyone with a disability is the day we learn to be grateful and respect every life.
