Down Syndrome 101
With over 450,000 individuals with Down syndrome living in the US alone; and including impacted parents and siblings, over 2 million people face this diagnosis every single day. 1 in 700 live births results in a Down syndrome diagnosis. The average age to give birth to a baby is 28. With an 80-85% termination rate: much work remains to give babies a fighting chance for life, love and happiness.
Facts about Down syndrome
450,000
Individuals with Down Syndrome in the US
1 in 691
Live births born with Down syndrome
85%
Termination Rate
Down syndrome is a genetic condition where an individual has 3 number 21 chromosomes. This extra genetic material changes how their bodies grow and learn.
At the core, a Down syndrome diagnosis includes:
Hypotonia (Low Muscle Tone):
Impacts speech, digestion, fitness, fine and gross motor skills and more. Our participants’ biggest obstacle. Every person with Down syndrome has low muscle tone. If you do not have strong core muscles you cannot sit up straight. If you cannot sit up straight you cannot take proper breaths. If you cannot take proper breaths: you cannot speak or read properly. Learn more about Hypotonia and take the Oven Mitt Challenge with this download.
How GiGi's helps
Cognitive Delays:
Delays in speaking and processing verbal information. This means a child or adult may struggle with expressive language even though she/he understands what is communicated.
How GiGi's helps
Limited Opportunities:
Insufficient participation in extracurricular activities, employment, volunteerism and community engagement can result in depression, isolation, and prolonged ignorance from others.
How GiGi's helps
Limited Acceptance:
People with Down syndrome wear their diagnosis on their faces, and are often subjected to bullying, prejudice and cruelty. Wearing a Down syndrome diagnosis on their face, combined with the despicable prevalence of the “R-word” on social media, in sports and entertainment, and more: empirical differences can challenge emotional wellness and fundamental ACCEPTANCE every single day.
