Down Syndrome Awareness Day 2024

When is Down Syndrome Awareness Day?

Down syndrome awareness day is March 21, 2024.

Why is Down syndrome day on March 21st?

The 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. It is important to note that each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all!

There are 3 different types of Down syndrome:

• Trisomy (nondisjunction): 95% of cases
• Translocation: 3% of cases
• Mosaicism: 2% of cases

How common is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Approximately 1 in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome – that’s about 6,000 each year!

How to Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Day 2024

The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) offers many FREE resource guides that can help YOU get involved in celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Day 2024:

• “LotsofSocks”Campaign
• End The Stereotypes
• WDSD Coloring Page

Join us in celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Day at GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte:

• Join us in celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Day at GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte:
• Register for GiGi’s Playhouse Signature Group Programs!
• Check out the calendar & register here
• Stop by the playhouse and participate in the Down Syndrome Awareness scavenger hunt and win a prize for completion!

References

• “About Down Syndrome.” National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), ndss.org/about#p_336. Accessed 19 Feb. 2024.
• “Home.” World Down Syndrome Day, 23 Jan. 2024, www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2024.