Thank you to Craig Woodard, Sr., Executive Director & President, Down Syndrome Association of Tampa Bay – 21Strong, and Book Author – for providing these important facts about Down syndrome.
We appreciate Craig who is a huge fan of Sam Piazza and Because of Sam!
Down syndrome facts:
As an overview, there are three different types of Down syndrome, Trisomy 21, Translocation, and Mosaicism.
The most common type of Down syndrome occurs when there are three, rather than two, number 21 chromosomes present in every cell of the body.
Here are 11 facts about Down syndrome to help raise awareness:
1. Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material changes the course of development and causes the characteristics we have associated with Down Syndrome. [1]
2. The exact cause of the extra chromosome that triggers Down syndrome is unknown. [2]
3. One in every 691 babies in the U.S. is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition. [3]
4. There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the U.S. [4]
5. In 1983, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome was a mere 25-years-old. Today, it’s 60. [5]
6. Children and adults with Down syndrome share some common features, but naturally, the individuals will more closely resemble their immediate family members. [6]
7. Since the 1970s, public schools are required by law to provide free and appropriate education to children with Down syndrome. [7]
8. It is estimated that 5,000 children are born with Down syndrome in the U.S. alone. [8]
9. The likelihood of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, however, 80% of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age because this age group gives birth most frequently. [9]
10. Roughly 25% of families in the U.S. are affected by Down syndrome. [10]
11. While behavior, mental ability, and physical development vary from person to person, many individuals with Down syndrome grow up to hold jobs, live independently, and enjoy normal recreational activities. [11]
Sources:
1. National Down Syndrome Society. “Down Syndrome Facts.” National Down Syndrome Society. Accessed April 29, 2014.
2. National Down Syndrome Congress. “Facts About Down Syndrome.” National Down Syndrome Congress. Accessed April 29, 2014.
3. Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “FAQ and Facts about Down Syndrome.” The Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Accessed April 29, 2014.
4. Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “FAQ and Facts about Down Syndrome.” The Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Accessed April 29, 2014.
5. Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “FAQ and Facts about Down Syndrome.” The Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Accessed April 29, 2014.
6. National Down Syndrome Congress. “Facts About Down Syndrome.” National Down Syndrome Congress. Accessed April 29, 2014.
7. Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “FAQ and Facts about Down Syndrome.” The Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Accessed April 29, 2014.
8. National Down Syndrome Congress. “Facts About Down Syndrome.” National Down Syndrome Congress. Accessed April 29, 2014.
9. National Down Syndrome Congress. “Facts About Down Syndrome.” National Down Syndrome Congress. Accessed April 29, 2014. http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/general-information/facts-about-down-syndrome/.
10. National Down Syndrome Congress. “Facts About Down Syndrome.” National Down Syndrome Congress. Accessed April 29, 2014. http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/general-information/facts-about-down-syndrome/.
11. National Down Syndrome Congress. “Facts About Down Syndrome.” National Down Syndrome Congress. Accessed April 29, 2014.
You can contact Craig if you need more information at Craig.Woodard@dsatb.org and you can order his book, ‘Down Syndrome, Blessed With ThisAbility’ at http://covenantbooks.com/books/?book=down-syndrome-blessed-with-thisability