March 21: World Down Syndrome Day

Writing.- Down syndrome has always been part of the human condition, exists in all regions of the world and usually has variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics or health.

Proper access to healthcare, early intervention programs, and inclusive education, as well as adequate research, are vital for the growth and development of the individual.

Read more: World Autism Day

In December 2011, the General Assembly designated March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day. With this celebration, the UN wants to generate greater public awareness of the issue and remember the inherent dignity, worth, and valuable contributions of people with intellectual disabilities as promoters of the well-being and diversity of their communities. It also wants to highlight the importance of their autonomy and individual independence, in particular the freedom to make their own decisions.

Background: Understanding Down Syndrome

The Down syndrome is a genetic alteration caused by the existence of extra genetic material on chromosome 21 that results in intellectual disability.  The estimated incidence of Down syndrome worldwide is between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 1,100 newborns. People with Down syndrome tend to have more health problems in general. However, social and medical advances have managed to improve the quality of life of people with the syndrome. At the beginning of the 20th century, those affected were expected to live less than 10 years. Now, nearly 80% of the adults who suffer from it are over 50 years old. Early medical and parental work favors the quality of life and health of those who suffer from this genetic disorder by meeting their health needs, which include regular check-ups to monitor their physical and mental development, as well as timely intervention, either with physiotherapy, inclusive special education or other community-based support systems.