Down Syndrome

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Context

About World Down Syndrome Day

The first World Down Syndrome Day was observed on March 21 in
The uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which produces Down syndrome, is symbolised by the choice of the 21st day of March.

History and significance

With effect from 2012, the General Assembly decided to observe World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 every year.
To increase public awareness of Down syndrome, the General Assembly invites all Member States, pertinent United Nations agencies, other international organisations, and members of civil society, including non-governmental organisations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate way.
Every year, International Down Syndrome Day is marked to increase public understanding of the condition.
The UN asks for "full and effective involvement and inclusion in society" in the main principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).

Theme

Significance

Understanding the importance and reason for observing this day is essential to drawing attention to the condition in a positive light.

What is Down Syndrome and what causes it?

In the body, chromosomes are discrete "packages" of genes. They control how a baby's body develops during pregnancy and after birth, determining how it will look and work. A newborn typically has 46 chromosomes (23 Chromosome Pairs). One of these chromosomes, chromosome 21, has an extra copy in infants with Down syndrome.
Thus, an extra chromosome causes the disorder known as Down syndrome.
Trisomy is the medical word for having an extra copy of a chromosome.
Trisomy 21 is another term used to describe Down syndrome.

Impact of Down Syndrome

The newborn may experience difficulties with their mental and physical development as a result of this additional copy, which alters how their body and brain grow.
Individuals with Down syndrome typically have mild to moderately low IQs (a measure of intelligence) and speak more slowly than other children.

Treatment

There's no cure for Down syndrome, but treatment is available to help the child reach their full potential.
Treatment focuses on helping your child thrive physically and mentally.
Treatment options could include: Physical or occupational therapy.

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Match the following:

1. Turner’s Syndrome a. Trisomy of Chromosome 21.

2. Down’s Syndrome b. Boy is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome (XXY).

3. Patau's syndrome c. Female is partially or completely missing an X chromosome.

4. Klinefelter syndrome d. Trisomy 13.

A. 1-a, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a

B. 1-c, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b

C. 1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b

D. 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

Answer: B