October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month (#DSAM2020.)  In October, I usually do a few Down syndrome awareness blogs and/or posts.  Today, I have updated a past list of 21 Things You Should Know that focus on Down syndrome awareness and education. This is not an exhaustive list of things I think you should know- just 21 of the things you should know. I hope you will share with others.

1. Each individual with Down syndrome is unique.
2. Individuals with Down syndrome are not always happy. Some have a sweet disposition, but they have the same range of feelings (glad, mad, sad, happy) as individuals who do not have Down syndrome.
3. There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21 (nondisjunction), translocation and mosaicism.
4. The medical name for Down syndrome is Trisomy 21.
5. A 3rd copy of the 21st chromosome causes Trisomy 21, the most common form of Down syndrome.
6. Down syndrome was given the name “Down” syndrome because Dr. Langdon Down was one of the first researchers to describe the genetic condition.
7. In the United States the correct term for Down syndrome is Down with a capital D and syndrome with a lower-case s.  The D is capitalized because it is named after the person Dr. Down and that is his proper name.  It is not possessive “Down’s syndrome.”
8. A person is a person first and has Down syndrome second. Therefore, you never call someone a Down’s child, Down’s person, etc.
9. Down syndrome occurs at conception. You cannot catch Down syndrome. It is not a disease like the common cold.
10. Today the average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome is approximately 60 years. As recently as 1983, the average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome was 25 years. The increase can be largely attributed to advances in healthcare and the end of the standard practice of institutionalization of individuals with Down syndrome.
11. Individuals born with Down syndrome have varied interests, abilities, interests, talents, strengths, challenges, and medical issues.
12. Almost 50 percent of babies born with Down syndrome will have some type of heart issues. These issues range from very serious requiring surgery to issues that self-correct. Because of advances in healthcare, many of these issues can now be repaired.
13. Another common characteristic of babies with Down syndrome is lower muscle tone. This may cause individuals with Down syndrome to take longer to learn to sit-up, crawl, or walk and may cause them to tire more easily.
14. Most individuals with Down syndrome want to have friends and do the same kinds of things that other children/teens/adults their age want to do.
15. With proper supports individuals with Down syndrome can and should be included in general education classes and extracurricular activities such as dance, soccer, karate, cheerleading and acting.  In fact, research shows that inclusion in general education classes with typically developing peers is best for everyone.
16. Many individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are going to college. These programs are commonly called post-secondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. These programs usually cost more than typical college programs.
17. Individuals with Down syndrome are living independently while others live independently with supports.  Some even own their own homes.
18. Many individuals with Down syndrome are getting married.  Like the rest of the population, some do get divorced.  Some want to get married but due to outdated laws regulating supports they choose to participate in a commitment ceremony in order to protect benefits needed to live independently.
19. Individuals with Down syndrome have the same rights as all other people. They have dreams, goals, and aspirations.  They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect just like everyone else. They can vote. They deserve to work in the community with their friends and have jobs that pay the same as those who do not have Down syndrome. This is called meaningful, competitive employment or integrated employment.
20. It is outdated and disrespectful to say someone with Down syndrome is the “R-word.”  It is also disrespectful and demeaning to use the term “you are a low IQ individual.” The preferred language is that a person with Down syndrome has an intellectual disability. Assigning terms such as low functioning and high functioning are not appropriate. They imply that someone is more worthy because of their intellect.  See Point 11. You might say “some have more support needs than others.”
21. It would be great if you would get to know someone with Down syndrome!

“Please do not prejudge the limits of our abilities, just because we happen to have a disABILITY. We need your help, encouragement and friendship to become accepted and respected contributing members of our community.” – Annie Forts, self-advocate.

  “I am Rachel. I have Down syndrome, but I am not Down syndrome. I am Rachel, and I love my life!” – Rachel Mast, self-advocate