Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.
Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes – 46 in total.
People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome added onto the 21st pair – 47 in total.
Chromosomes act like an instruction manual that defines how our bodies look and how they work.
Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome.
Down syndrome occurs naturally – there is no known cause.
People who have Down syndrome usually have an intellectual disability. This is different in each person.
Some health conditions are more common in people with Down syndrome.
About Down syndrome – FREE resources
We have created some resources to help you to learn a little more about Down syndrome.
A presentation to explain how Down syndrome occurs. Learn about cells, chromosomes and genes and what they do.
And an information pack covering topics relevant to people with Down syndrome, including diagnosis, early development, health, education, employment and much more.
Sign up to hear from the World Down Syndrome Day team and to access our resource hub:
All about Chromosomes…
“Chromosomes R Us” is a short film explaining how Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) occurs.
This film was made by actors with Down syndrome, with Shabang Inclusive Learning in collaboration with Mediapreview, Huddersfield, UK.
This film was made possible by generous funding from BBC Children in Need.
Down syndrome answers
The Canadian Down Syndrome Society found the most asked questions about Down syndrome on Google.
They asked 10 Canadians with Down syndrome to give their answers.
Click below to hear what they had to say, on the Candian Down Syndrome Society website:
Just like you
People with Down syndrome have an inherent right to be accepted and included as valued and equal members of the community.
The video ‘Just Like You’ is an example of how this is happening.
This video was jointly funded, produced and directed by two Kansas City, United States non-profit organisations.
Join us! Sign up to hear from the World Down Syndrome Day team about how you can get involved.
You will also get access to our FREE resources to help you to mark this important day.
Together we will create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.
