WHAT IS DOWN SYNDROME?
Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is caused by an extra copy of the 21 st chromosome. An error in cell division, called non-disjunction, happens at the moment of conception for reasons we still do not understand. The extra chromosome causes varying degrees of mental retardation and physical abnormalities. Most people with Down syndrome have mental retardation falling in the mild to moderate range, and they have speech and language difficulties. Persons with Down syndrome can also have a wide range of health problems, including congenital heart defects, obstructed digestive systems, thyroid conditions, hearing problems, leukemia, increased susceptibility to infection, sleep apnea, and respiratory problems. Individuals with Down syndrome also are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, autism, and many neurological and psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
HOW MANY PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES HAVE DOWN SYNDROME?
About one in every 800 American babies is born with Down syndrome, and it is estimated that about 350,000 people in the United States live with this condition today.
IS TREATMENT A CURE?
No. Once a baby is born with Down syndrome, he or she will always have an extra chromosome. However, research may be able to reverse or ameliorate the affects of the extra chromosome, particularly with regard to the degree of cognitive impairment. No one can say for sure how much cognition could be improved. However, even a modest improvement of 10 IQ points could have enormous impact on the life of a person with Down syndrome. Because the majority of individuals with Down syndrome fall into the mild to moderate range of cognitive impairment, an extra 10 IQ points would enable most persons with Down syndrome to function much more independently in school and the workplace.
WHAT CAN I, AS A SUPPORTER OF TROY'S BOYS AND GIRLS, DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
By supporting Troy and the Down syndrome community you have already helped tremendously. The first thing we can all do is celebrate our shared humanity. Raising awareness about and recognizing the strengths and talents of people with disabilities is a terrific way to make an impact. Educating yourself and people around you about people with disabilities, defeating tired and mean-spirited misconceptions about people with DS and supporting organizations that are committed to improving the world for people with disabilities like the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Society . . . and others . . . is also a wonderful (and rewarding) way to make a difference.
