World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) occurs on March 21st each year and is an officially observed day founded by the United Nations. World Down Syndrome Day aims to bring awareness to Down syndrome and the children and adults who experience it.
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
The first observance of World Down Syndrome Day was March 21st, 2006, by Down Syndrome International (DSI). In 2011, it was declared an international day by the United Nations General Assembly. You may be wondering "What is World Down Syndrome Day?" It aims to bring awareness to those with Down syndrome and their struggles, triumphs, and unique experiences.
In 2024, the event theme for the day will be “End The Stereotypes.” It calls for organizations, individuals, and non-profits around the world to unite with those with Down syndrome and recognize that these individuals are all unique and that their identity is more than just their condition.
What is Down syndrome?
Down syndrome is a human condition caused by an extra chromosome that develops during pregnancy. The UN states it occurs in around 3,000 to 5,000 births per year. Those born with this Down syndrome often have facial and bodily differences, such as wide-set upturned eyes and a flat nose. Babies that develop an extra chromosome receive the extra chromosome on chromosome 21, which causes Down syndrome. It can also be referred to as trisomy 21.
How to celebrate and show support
Wear colorful socks to help raise awareness
The #LotsOfSocks campaign was developed to raise public awareness about Down syndrome. Each year on World Down Syndrome Day, the Lots Of Socks campaign encourages individuals to choose a bright and colorful pair of socks to wear about in a visible fashion. If someone asks about your socks, DSi suggests saying, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome.”
Support an organization
A few organizations provide support, financial aid, treatment options, and advocacy for adults and children with Down syndrome. For World Down Syndrome Day, consider donating to an organization, offering volunteer hours, or signing up to receive monthly email updates on current research.
Participate in an event for World Down Syndrome Day
Each year, there are different events. One such event is the World Down Syndrome Conference, which occurs in New York at the United Nations headquarters. In 2024, the conference will include speakers with Down syndrome and disabilities, advocates, UN officials, and NGO representatives. You can also find other events on the WDSD event page.
Getting involved with World Down Syndrome Day events
Finding support and resources
There are a few options for adults diagnosed with Down syndrome who do not know how to reach out for support. If a doctor near you diagnosed you, ask them if they have resources for your symptoms. Depending on your needs, doctors might offer referrals to further treatment options like medication, therapy, or physical therapy.
Organizations with online resources for managing symptoms and navigating life
Adults may find additional resources for Down syndrome at the following sites:
- The Arc
- Developmental Disabilities Resources Center
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) Global Network
- Baddour Center
- A Voice Of Reason
- Best Buddies (Jobs for people with disabilities)
Counseling options to support mental health
People experiencing Down syndrome and their families might also benefit from counseling. NDSS states that the most common mental health conditions in those with Down syndrome include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and tics. These conditions may be benefited through the support of a licensed therapist.
Additionally, counseling to support navigating Down syndrome can be done online and from home, which reduces barriers such as cost and can allow further availability for many. One recent study on internet-based treatment found that 71% of participants found it preferable to and more effective than in-person counseling.
Takeaway
World Down Syndrome Day brings awareness to the condition and the individuals who experience it. The event often focuses on self-advocacy, disability rights, and support for those living with this developmental disability.
Also, if you are living with Down syndrome or know someone who is, it may help to reach out for support from a licensed counselor. If in-person therapy isn’t an option at this time, you might consider online therapy. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with someone who has knowledge of this condition and the way it affects both individuals with it and their families. Take the first step toward getting support and reach out to BetterHelp today.
On this global Down syndrome day, organizations and individuals coordinate and attend events and activities that strive to raise awareness. In the past, it focused on the disability aspect of the condition. Now, however, it highlights the wide range of abilities and strengths that those with this condition can often have and encourages a people-first perspective rather than a disability-first perspective (as in seeing the whole person, not just the condition).
The Down Syndrome International Network (DSi) is an organization that works to “create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome.”
Ways people show support: Why do we wear mismatched socks?
Mismatched or colorful socks not only start as a conversation starter to bring awareness to Down syndrome, but they may also represent the shape of the of a chromosome. Scientific images of chromosomes are sometimes considered to look like a pair of socks next to each other.
Why is March 21 or 3/21 the date that people celebrate?
Individuals with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21, hence the celebration date of March 21 or 3/21.
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