March 21 (3/21) is World Down Syndrome Day. This date was not chosen at random. Rather, it represents the fact that, while most people have 46 pairs of chromosomes, some people have a third copy on the twenty-first chromosome. This third copy causes Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21.
Some other facts:
It’s not “Down’s Syndrome,” i.e., a syndrome in the possession of someone named Down.
People with Down Syndrome can read, write, hold down jobs, get married, and even go to college.
Pregnancies in which Down Syndrome is identified in the fetus are terminated 80-90% of the time.
Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the U.S., occurring in about 1 in 700 live births.
There is a condition called Mosaic Down Syndrome in which some, but not all, cells contain the third copy of the twenty-first chromosome.
If you are still using the term “retarded” as a term of derogation, you should stop doing this. People might start to think you are a jerk. And they might be right.
My wife and I will be talking about our experiences of raising a child with Down Syndrome at United’s Light the Fire! Conference, May 8-9 at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio. World Down Syndrome is the last day to register at the discounted rate, so please get your registration in ASAP!