Bowtie and Scarf Monday
Tie One On for the Cause
This Week's Cause: The National Down Syndrome Congress
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. Founded in 1973, the NDSC is the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome, from the moment of diagnosis through adulthood. NDSC’s purpose is to promote the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information.
Down syndrome is not a disease or illness. Down syndrome occurs when a baby inherits one extra chromosome at the time of conception. There is no known cause. In the U.S., approximately one in every 700 children is born with Down syndrome. Although exact numbers are not known, between 250,000 and 350,000 people in the U.S. are living with Down syndrome.
Contributions can be made in the office of the Vice President for Student Services (110).
What is Down Syndrome?
- Down syndrome is a common genetic variation that usually causes delay in physical, intellectual, and language development.
- The exact causes of the chromosomal rearrangement and primary prevention of Down syndrome are currently unknown.
- Down syndrome is one of the leading clinical causes of cognitive delay in the world – it is not related to race, nationality, religion, or socio-economic status.
- Of all children born in this country annually, approximately 5,000 will have Down syndrome.
- While the likelihood of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age; nevertheless, 80 percent of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age, as women in that age group give birth to more babies overall.
- There is wide variation in mental abilities, behavior, and physical development in individuals with Down syndrome. Each individual has his/her own unique personality, capabilities, and talents.
- 30–50% of the individuals with Down syndrome have heart defects and 8–12% have gastrointestinal tract abnormalities present at birth. Most of these defects are now correctable by surgery.