Be kind, celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month

“We’re trying to tell people, ‘let us live’.” Frank Stephens, an actor and athlete with down syndrome, says in Voices for the Voiceless. The month of October celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness Month and gives a voice to those with this genetic syndrome.
When someone has Down Syndrome, they’re noted as being “different.” Down Syndrome is when a certain individual has an extra chromosome in their body. It’s said that 1 in every 700 babies in the U.S. alone is born with Down Syndrome, which makes it very common. This extra chromosome can appear to anyone and isn’t limited to a specific baby, but, Down Syndrome has more of an increased chance towards babies when birthed by older women. In our society, people see Down Syndrome as a tragic setback in life, when it actually doesn’t make much of a difference. Stereotypes like never being able to excel in their studies, always being happy, or even playing sports, are mere thoughts made by those who judge from the outside. (Stereotypes)
There are some problems that come with Down Syndrome, such as having more health problems than others. Kids Health: Down Syndrome said, “About half of babies with Down Syndrome are born with heart defects…” and “Kids with Down Syndrome are more likely to get infections that affect their lungs and breathing.” They advance at a slower rate compared to other children, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve the same amount of respect when being treated.
If you’re wondering how to help people with Down Syndrome or if you just want to learn more, here are a few links below linked to organizations that can help:
National Down Syndrome Society
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
National Association for Down Syndrome
International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association