As every year, we cannot forget today to celebrate the World Down Syndrome Day. It is a date to raise awareness about this genetic disorder that affects about one in seven hundred births.
It is suffered by about 34,000 people in Spain and about six million people worldwide. It is characterized by a deficiency of intellectual abilities, although I prefer to say that they are different and special people.
They also suffer, in addition, health problems such as congenital heart disease, while some suffer from intestinal malformations or their visual and auditory abilities are affected.
It is a reality that fewer and fewer children are born with Down syndrome because the majority of pregnant women abort when the chromosomal alteration that causes it is detected. Everyone will have their opinion about it, but it is a fact that Down syndrome is disappearing in Spain.
Why it is celebrated on March 21
The date of celebration of World Down Syndrome Day is very significant.
It refers to the extra chromosome, that is 3 instead of two, which characterizes the genetic condition known as Trisomy 21, which is given in par 21. The 21/3 game gives rise to the date March 21st.
The same rights as others
Today, more than ever, it is important to bring to society the reality of people with Down syndrome to get their acceptance as full-fledged persons, something unfortunately little is given.
As parents, we can start by explaining to our children that children with Down Syndrome (surely they will have seen some) are people who have a harder time than others learning certain things and that you have to be patient.
Empathizing with them and treating children with Down Syndrome as one more child will make them more aware of their needs.
