By Annette Campbell
Did you know that, although the incidence of births of children with Down syndrome (DS) increases with the age of the mother, most children born with DS are actually born to women aged younger than 35?
Also, although it’s widely assumed people with DS are always happy, they can be hurt and upset just as easily as the rest of us.
This year, Down Syndrome Awareness Week begins on Sunday October 15. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the condition — one of the most common causes of intellectual disability.
“Babies born with Down syndrome will grow up in their family homes, with their brothers and sisters, as valued members of the family, who often bring unexpected gifts to the family,” says Jill O’Connor, Information Officer of Down Syndrome NSW. “Having a child with Down syndrome takes us on a journey that might be unexpected, but it is not the tragedy that we may have anticipated.”
What is Down syndrome?
It’s one of the most frequently occurring chromosomal conditions found in humans. Worldwide, approximately one baby in 860 is born with Down syndrome. It is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21), and is considered a chromosomal accident — not caused by anything that a parent may worry they have ‘done’ during the pregnancy.
Although the syndrome is recognisable at birth due to some fairly typical physical characteristics, a chromosome analysis will confirm the diagnosis.
Living with Downs
People with Down syndrome live at home and are integrated into the community, schools and the workforce. People with DS do have features in common, but they also closely resemble their parents and family, and share family personality traits. Each person is an individual with unique appearance, personality and set of abilities.
Where can parents go for help?
Each state has a Down Syndrome Association, which can provide vital support and information. Down Syndrome NSW can help you find the group closest to you — their web address is: www.dsansw.org.au or you can phone them on: (02) 9683 4333.
As part of their fund and awareness raising efforts for Down Syndrome Awareness Week, DS NSW is hosting an event called ‘Walk With A Mate’ — a stroll over the Sydney Harbour Bridge followed by a picnic lunch at the Botanic Gardens.
You can contact them (see details above) for more info. And to find out about events in other states, contact the relevant DS Association (DS NSW can help!)
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