By Wayne Campbell
Unfortunately, World Down Syndrome Day passed without a buzz in our local space. Down syndrome 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 in the U.S.
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.
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. 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.
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 educational facilities as well as subsidize intervention programmes 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 compassionate society where parents of children with Down syndrome no longer feel ashamed to take their children out in public spaces. It is also imperative that governments implement effective strategies to create more inclusive societies for all. 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.
The opinions on this page are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the AFRO.
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