The DeSoto Independent School District observes National Down Syndrome Awareness Month recognizing the importance of valuing and serving every learner and family equally while supporting scholars to reach their full potential.
Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Around 6,000 babies — or one in 700 — are born with Down syndrome every year.
“In DeSoto ISD, we want every child to learn and grow at their highest level in alignment with the district’s vision and mission,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers.
This annual observance was initiated in the 1980s through public advocacy work bringing awareness to the potential, possibilities, research, and support available to better understand and assist individuals and families and erase stigmas and stereotypes related to Down Syndrome.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, in every cell in the human body, there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
There are three chromosomal conditions that relate to Down Syndrome:
- Trisomy 21: In 95% of cases, babies born with DS have one extra copy of chromosome 21, giving them three total.
- Translocation: In 3% of cases, a partial or whole chromosome is attached (translocated) to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21.
- Mosaic: In about 2% of cases, some of the person’s cells have three copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have two copies. Children with mosaic Down syndrome have fewer characteristics of Down syndrome.
This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. 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 – although each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all.
People with Down syndrome are living higher quality lives than ever before, thanks to appropriate medical care, supportive therapies, and educational options.
People with Down syndrome benefit from medical care options that were not available years ago accelerating development and independence. From speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to inclusive educational environments, people with Down syndrome have more opportunities than ever before.
Thanks to proper medical support and care, teenagers with Down syndrome are now more likely to:
- Have their own bedroom.
- Dress and undress independently.
- Bathe and dry themselves.
- Eat and drink independently, including some meal preparation.
Adults with Down syndrome have also been able to:
- Live independently
- Get married
- Maintain a job
- Drive a car
Some adults with Down syndrome have broken barriers and achieved many milestones never thought possible before, such as:
- Owning and operating a restaurant
- Modeling professionally
- Acting in movies
- Receiving a university degree
- Playing an instrument at Carnegie Hall
- Designing a line for London Fashion Week
Join DeSoto ISD in its observance of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, an opportunity to erase stigmas related to the progress and potential of individuals with Down syndrome.