21 Facts about Down Syndrome

March 21st (3/21) is World Down Syndrome Day as Down Syndrome is caused by 3 copies of chromosome 21! To spread awareness, here are 21 facts about Down Syndrome!

 

1. Down Syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal disorder. It occurs in approximately 1 in 700 births.
2. Typical characteristics of Down Syndrome are developmental delays, low muscle tone, almond shaped eyes, flat nasal bridge, short neck, a single palmar crease, small ears, small chin, small feet/hands with short fingers, and shorter height.
3. The average life expectancy of an individual with Down Syndrome today is 60. In the 1960s, it was 10 years.
4. The colors for Down Syndrome awareness are blue and yellow. 
5. Individuals with Down Syndrome sometimes have other health problems including hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, ear infections, eye issues, heart defects, thyroid conditions and other medical problems.
6. Down Syndrome is a lifelong condition, but many individuals with Down Syndrome grow up to have jobs, live independently and enjoy various recreational activities. 
7. There are 3 types of Down Syndrome: Trisomy 21/Nondisjunction (most common), Translocation (3%), and Mosaic (2%)
8. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
9. Down Syndrome is named after John Langdon Down, a British doctor who first published a clinical description in 1866.
10. Although Down Syndrome was first described in 1866, the chromosomal cause was not identified until 1959. 
11. The incidence of Down Syndrome increases with maternal age over 35 years.
12. Down Syndrome is not considered hereditary, since only 1% of cases show the condition passing from parent to child.
13. Medical care for children with Down Syndrome between birth and four years of age costs 12 times more than medical care for unaffected children. 
14. Women who have had one child with Down Syndrome have an increased chance of having another child with Down Syndrome. 
15. Down Syndrome causes mild to moderate intellectual disability and is the most common cause of intellectual disability. 
16. Down Syndrome was initially referred to as “mongolism” until Down Syndrome became the official name in the 1970s. 
17. Approximately 50% of babies born with Down Syndrome have a congenital heart defect. 
18. Children with Down Syndrome typically meet their gross motor milestones later than unaffected children. For example, only 8% of children with Down Syndrome are able to sit independently by 6 months of age. 53% are able to crawl on hands and knees for at least 6 feet at 24 months of age. 
19. Other resources about Down Syndrome include The National Down Syndrome Society and the National Association for Down Syndrome.