Knowledge is power

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  I hate to admit that over a year ago, I didn't even know there was such a month.  I've said it before ("Fear of the unknown"), but when we first learned that Luke had Down syndrome, my biggest fear was my own ignorance.  I really knew nothing about Down syndrome.  Sometimes ignorance is not bliss...

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development.  It is the most common chromosomal abnormality in humans and occurs in approximately one in every 800 live births.  Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.  Down syndrome is seen in all races, ethnic groups, and socio-economic classes.  Boys and girls are equally affected.  80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

Down syndrome is usually caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction.  It is not known why this occurs.  However, it is known that the error occurs at conception and is not related to anything the mother did during pregnancy.  There are 3 types of Down syndrome:  Trisomy 21, translocation, and mosaicism.  Trisomy 21, which Luke has, accounts for 95% of all Down syndrome cases.

Many children with Down syndrome have health complications beyond the usual childhood illnesses.  Approximately 40% of the children have congenital heart defects.  Children with Down syndrome have a higher incidence of infection, respiratory, vision and hearing problems as well as thyroid and other medical conditions.  The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome is 55 years, with many living into their sixties and seventies.
(Information provided by Gigi's Playhouse and National Association for Down Syndrome)

How to talk to other children about Down syndrome: (Gigi's Playhouse)

Tell them that kids with Down syndrome are kids first!  They feel, love, play, laugh, learn and have fun just like other kids, but they do it at their own pace.  Kids with Down syndrome have one extra chromosome in some or all of their cells.  Chromosomes tell your body how to grow, and when a person has an extra chromosome it mixes up their body's directions a little.  That is why people with Down syndrome look a little different and have to try harder to learn.  It is no one's fault, and children can help by being their friend!  Be patient and kind, and they will give it back to you ten times over!