Down Syndrome Awareness Month is observed during October, and its purpose is not only to raise awareness about Down Syndrome but also to highlight the fact that people with this congenital condition are still capable of doing a great deal. This is also a month during which people advocate on behalf of the Down Syndrome community.

In the past, being born with Down Syndrome meant that the person was going to have a limited life. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. People with Down Syndrome can live rich, full lives and achieve things beyond their wildest dreams.

The History of Down Syndrome Awareness Month

This month was created in the 1980s by the National Down Syndrome Society. The purpose of this month was to educate the public, raise awareness to increase research, and support people living with Down Syndrome. It has been observed every year since then to raise public awareness and raise money for research and support programs.

Important Facts About Down Syndrome

To help educate our readers on Down Syndrome so they can confidently observe Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we thought we’d list some of the things that we learned during our research for this month. So without further ado, below are some facts about Down Syndrome that everyone should know.

• Down Syndrome is a condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome.
• Common physical features of Down Syndrome include almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, a flattened face, tiny white spots on the iris, and small hands and feet.
• Every year, 6,000 babies are born in the U.S. with Down Syndrome. That’s 1 out of every 700 babies.
• There are three main types of Down Syndrome: Trisomy 21, Mosaic Down Syndrome, and Translocation Down Syndrome.
• Researchers aren’t currently sure why some people are born with an extra chromosome.
• People with Down Syndrome may have other health problems, including hearing loss, sleep apnea, eye diseases, and ear infections.
• Trisomy 21 accounts for approximately 95% of all Down Syndrome cases.
• In 1983, the life expectancy of a person born with Down Syndrome was 25. In 2022, it was 60.
• All people with Down Syndrome have cognitive delays, but they are usually mild to moderate.

Observing Down Syndrome Awareness Month

During this month, everyone is encouraged to do what they can to support people with Down Syndrome. This could be advocating on their behalf, donating money to an organization that provides support for people with Down Syndrome, or simply spreading the word about this month using the hashtag #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth on social media.