Celebrating Kids With Designer Genes On World Down Syndrome Day

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Mar 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, so take some time today to share the following tidbits with your kids to help them understand its significance!

What is Down syndrome and how do you explain it to your kids?

First, explain what a chromosome is. A chromosome is a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes. On average the human body is made up of 30 – 40 trillion cells.

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 (hence why we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on Mar 21. It stands for three copies of chromosome 21). This additional genetic material changes the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down Syndrome.

Take the opportunity to teach your kids

We want our kids to be inclusive of others, but if they’ve never met anyone with Down Syndrome it’s not uncommon for them to be afraid of what they’re unfamiliar with. So, instead of focusing on what makes someone with Down Syndrome different, focus on what they have in common.

Last year, the Special Education Network & Inclusion Association, also called SENIA International, came up with a great visualisation tool to help their local and regional chapters to celebrate this event.

Show your kids a picture of chromosomes and ask them what they look like. Some will say they look like gummy worms, but most will likely say they look like funky socks! Because of the shape of the chromosome and because people with Down Syndrome have an extra one, cool fun socks have become the icon of World Down Syndrome Day around the world.

Here's how your family can show their support of World Down Syndrome Day!

Encourage your kids to wear colorful socks this week and if anyone asks about their socks, they can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down Syndrome.”

Images: Pexels

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