March 21 is World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), invites everyone to bring awareness to the genetic disorder known as Down Syndrome.
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic condition in which a child is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. As a result, certain genes on chromosome 21 are over-expressed, impacting an individual in many ways, including varied levels of intellectual and physical disabilities.
According to its website: World Down Syndrome Awareness, 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. In Michigan, 1 in 817 babies are born with Down Syndrome.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive at MHHDS, says “Children and people with Down syndrome can lead healthy and full lives. “We encourage residents to learn more about what Down syndrome is on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and recognize the abilities and talents of people with Down syndrome.”
MHHS reminds people that World Drown Syndrome Day is a global fight for the right to end stereotypes. They say stereotypes about people with Down syndrome cause them to be misunderstood, underestimated, and excluded.
Down syndrome affects each person differently; no individual is likely to exhibit all the characteristics commonly associated with Down syndrome
ASD is being celebrated with the Lots of Socks campaign. Participants can choose fun and colorful socks that will get noticed to spark organic conversations about Down syndrome awareness.
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