Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome Awareness Month gives us the chance to celebrate people with Down Syndrome and their abilitites

A few Facts by the National Down Syndrome Society:

• 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.
• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome – about 6,000 each year.
• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

National Down Syndrome Society