31 for 21, Day 11

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month, day 11! We are celebrating by posting information about Down syndrome each day in October.during the 31 for 21 challenge. Feel free to share these posts to help spread awareness and acceptance.

​Let's face it.  Down syndrome is a visible condition.  It is not a disease, it can not be caught.  It is something people are born with.  However, due to some similar characteristics, it is fairly easy to identify a person who has a third copy of their 21st chromosome or Trisomy 21.  
Unfortunately, becuase the condition is easily identifiable, when some people see a person with Down syndrome, they make assumtions about the person's abilities based on their looks.  Most often people with Down syndrome are underestimated or are thought to be sickly due to the fact that someone has identifited they have and extra chromosome.  The reality is, individuals with Ds can have a wide array of health problems, or they can be quite healthy.  Having an extra chromomsome, can make some things harder for a person to do, but it does not mean they can't do these things.  As with any condition, the will of the individual will determine the degree in which they pursue their dreams.  Some will work tirelessly to  reach an important goal, while others will be perfectly happy taking an easier path.  The point to remember is that individuals with Down syndrome are not simply a diagnosis.  They are so much more than their extra chromosome.