What You Need to Know About Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October has a lot of awareness campaigns. Here’s what you need to know about Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

October is quite the busy month! Aside from Baby Loss, Breast Cancer, and Mental Health, October is also the celebration of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

What is Down Syndrome and why do we talk about it every October? Here’s what you need to know.

The story behind Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic, is defined as “a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21.” The said extra chromosome can result in Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome features vary from intellectual incapacity or developmental delay.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month started happening every October as early as the 1980s. This is not just to create awareness about Down Syndrome. But it is also to celebrate those with the condition. That they can live in the world like any normal human being.

“It’s a month to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of our loved ones with Down Syndrome. DSAM seeks to break down barriers and focus on promoting advocacy for people with Down Syndrome,” the National Down Syndrome said on its website.

How those with Down Syndrome are included in society

While there has been progress in giving people with Down Syndrome a chance in society, there is still discrimination. Despite this, many international and local organizations have been working to push the inclusion of those with Down Syndrome in the workforce and even in daily activities.

In the United States, people with Down Syndrome take part in the Special Olympics. Founded by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, she was made aware of the misconceptions about Down Syndrome. Moreover, she has even included sports like swimming in the first Special Olympics Games. This way, people’s attitudes towards the condition can change.

In the Philippines, various organizations were established and are dedicated to people with Down Syndrome. Some of the groups include the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines and Lil’ Brave Hearts. These have been active in various activities for families who have relatives with Down Syndrome.

They also have the right to live normal lives

Although many groups have been working to create awareness and include people with Down Syndrome in the workforce, there is a long way to go to make people understand the condition. Through the testimonies of families who have children and relatives with Down Syndrome, it’s a start in the community.

While therapy has been available, not everyone can afford it. It’s a condition that they will have to live with. But like any person in the world, they have the right to live, to love and be loved, and to feel safe and secure.

Know more about how families deal with Down Syndrome:

Tricia Chiongbian Concepcion Shares Raising Her Son with Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Awareness: The Love and Compassion of Two Sisters

Read The Touching Story This Mom Wrote About The Moment She Found Out Her Son Had Down Syndrome