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  1. Down syndrome explained
  2. What is Down syndrome?

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition.

Down syndrome is universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines in approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide.

Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.


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In their own words

People with Down syndrome answer your questions about Down syndrome. Read more

Published: 20th August, 2018

Updated: 16th June, 2021

Author:

Myths and facts

Myths and facts

Being clear on myths associated with Down syndrome and compare them to the facts. Read more

Published: 15th June, 2018

Updated: 1st July, 2019

Author:

Use of terminology

Use of terminology

What to say and what not to say about Down syndrome. Read more

Published: 15th June, 2018

Updated: 13th November, 2018

Author:

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Showing 10 of 3

Latest

  • Introducing Kami

    Introducing Kami

    Meet Kami - the world's first virtual influencer with Down syndrome, on a mission to revolutionise the digital world!

  • World Down Syndrome Congress 2024

    World Down Syndrome Congress 2024

    Down Syndrome Australia invites you to the 15th World Down Syndrome Congress in Brisbane. Register your interest today!

  • Universal Design for Learning

    Universal Design for Learning

    UDL helps teachers to address the needs of all students in the classroom at the same time!

  • The first official World Down Syndrome Day in Zambia

    The first official World Down Syndrome Day in Zambia

    For the first time in 2022, the Government of Zambia recognises World Down Syndrome Day as an official calendar day.

Most read

  • Myths and facts

    Myths and facts

    Being clear on myths associated with Down syndrome and compare them to the facts.

  • World Down Syndrome Day programme 2022

    World Down Syndrome Day programme 2022

    We have an exciting programme of webinars for you to join on World Down Syndrome Day as we ask what #InclusionMeans. Please join us and share the key messages from the events.

  • Use of terminology

    Use of terminology

    What to say and what not to say about Down syndrome.

  • Learning profile of a person with Down syndrome

  • Education Guidelines

    Education Guidelines

    Through our international guidelines and wider education activities, we are enabling people with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential.

  • World Down Syndrome Day

    World Down Syndrome Day

    21 March is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), the day that the Down syndrome community creates a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.

  • COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for people with Down syndrome

    COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for people with Down syndrome

    T21RS have published data from a survey of nearly 2000 vaccinated individuals with Down syndrome.

  • Down Syndrome International statement on Ukraine conflict

    Down Syndrome International statement on Ukraine conflict

    Down Syndrome International (DSi) is calling on all parties involved in the current conflict in Ukraine to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

  • Improve lives with your support!

    Improve lives with your support!

    We need your support to continue our work improving the lives of people with Down syndrome. Donate today.

  • What job do you do?

    What job do you do?

    We asked people with Down syndrome to tell us about their job.

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