Sunny children or International Down Syndrome Day
Today is the International Down Syndrome Day. Down syndrome is a genetic abnormality caused by the presence of an additional chromosome. A child with such disorder can be born in any family with absolutely healthy parents.
This day was first marked in 2006 at the suggestion of the Greek geneticist Stylianos Antonarakis from the University of Geneva. At the 6th International Symposium on Down syndrome held in Palma de Mallorca, a decision was taken on the initiative of the boards of the European and World Down Syndrome Associations to declare March 21 as the International Down Syndrome Day. The twenty-first day of the third month was chosen because Down syndrome is associated with the 3rd copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy of the 21st chromosome).
The more people get information about Down syndrome, the less fear and negative will be towards people with this syndrome, and the more “sunny” kids will remain in families, because if you deal with a child from an early age, he has every chance to live a normal and productive life.
Every year, three to five thousand children with this syndrome are born in the world. According to WHO statistics, every 700th child in the world is born with Down syndrome. This ratio is the same in different countries, climatic zones and social strata. Genetic failure occurs regardless of the parents’ lifestyle, their health, habits, and education.
Children with Down syndrome are called "sunny" because they are very kind and affectionate. With some support, such children can successfully study at school, learn the profession and work.
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