![Elayne_And_Heidi_In_White_Touched-up[1]](https://www.certifiedautismspecialist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Elayne_And_Heidi_In_White_Touched-up1-232x300.jpg)
By Elayne Pearson, CAS, Speaker/Author/Disability Advocate
World Down Syndrome Day, March 21st – was created for public awareness, promoting fundamental freedoms, and encouraging inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome.
Many know Down syndrome is a genetically-based condition resulting in a range of mental impairments and developmental delays. It’s official term, Trisomy 21, is caused by an unusual division of the two 21st chromosomes into three. Hence, the term Tri-somy 21.
So, March is the third month, and the 21st day designates World Down Syndrome day. Get it? Trisomy 21 on 3/21. Clever, huh?
Scientists hypothesize the chromosomal change happens at conception, and currently, there is no known cure for Down syndrome. I could go on with boring scientific stuff, but I won’t. But believe me, life with a child with Down syndrome is anything but boring! We testify of that. Having Heidi in our family has been a joyous adventure for almost 30 years.
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