Down Syndrome: Quick Facts

 
“World Down Syndrome Day is on 3/21 to symbolize a third copy of the 21st chromosome in people with Down syndrome. Celebrate the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome on March 21!”
(Source: National Down Syndrome Society)
 
The official colors for Down Syndrome are blue and yellow.
 

• Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. About 1 in every 700 babies born is born with Down Syndrome, in the United States. About 6,000 a year.

 

• The prevalence of Down syndrome increases as the mother’s age increases. An older woman is more likely to have a children born with Down Syndrome than a younger woman.

 

• “The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increased dramatically between 1960 and 2007. In 1960, on average, persons with Down syndrome lived to be about 10 years old. In 2007, on average, persons with Down syndrome lived to be about 47 years old.”

 

• About 50% of all babies born with Down syndrome are also born with a congenital heart defect. Among other health problems and risks.

  (Source: CDC)

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• “There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4%, and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.”

• “A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are: low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees or not at all.”
• “People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, have meaningful relationships, vote and contribute to society in many wonderful ways.”
• “All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.”

(Source: National Down Syndrome Society)

• "Down syndrome is named after the English doctor, John Langdon Down, who was the first to categorize the common features of people with the condition."
• "There are also very rare forms of Down syndrome (less than 6%) called Translocation Down Syndrome or Mosaic Down Syndrome in which not all of the chromosome is triplicated or not all cells of the body carry the extra chromosome."
  

​(Source: globaldownsyndrome.org)