About Down syndrome

 

Chromosomes are "packages" of genes in the body. They determine how a baby's body forms and functions as it grows.

Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome occurs naturally – there is no known cause.

Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.

 

In their own words

‘Chromosomes R Us’, is a short film by actors with Down syndrome explaining how Trisomy 21 occurs.

The best people to answer many questions about Down syndrome are people with Down syndrome.

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society found the most asked questions on Google and asked 10 Canadians with Down syndrome to give their answers.

Check out the Down Syndrome Answers video project:

 

People with Down syndrome have an inherent right to be accepted and included as valued and equal members of the community.

The video ‘Just Like You’ is an example of how this is happening.

This video was jointly funded, produced and directed by two Kansas City, United States non-profit organisations.

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Down syndrome explained

Down Syndrome International has produced a 'Down syndrome explained' pack which provides bitesize introductions to some of the key topics relevant to people with Down syndrome, including:

What is Down syndrome?
New parents
Health
Education
Employment
Advocacy and human rights
Inclusive participation
Research

Complete this form to request a FREE digital copy of our 'Down syndrome explained' pack.

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WDSD Resources

We want to support everyone to make the most of World Down Syndrome Day.

The team at Down Syndrome International have kindly produced resources to give you the help you need.

To receive these FREE resources and email updates about global WDSD activities, sign up to WDSD here: