October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increase public understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. Recognized across the United States, this month highlights the contributions, achievements, and needs of individuals with the condition.
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21—commonly referred to as trisomy 21. This additional genetic material affects the way a person develops, both physically and intellectually.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in every 640 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States. It occurs randomly and is not caused by anything a parent does or does not do during pregnancy.
Here are five important facts you may not know:
- Origins of the Name
Down syndrome is named after Dr. John Langdon Down, who published a paper describing the condition in the 1860s. The term “Down syndrome” became the accepted terminology in the early 1970s.
- Living with Down Syndrome in the U.S.
Currently, more than 400,000 people in the United States live with Down syndrome, about 5,700 babies with Down syndrome are born every year, reported CDC.
- Maternal Age
While the likelihood of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with maternal age. The Department of Health reports that about 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under the age of 35.
- Types and Frequency of Cases
There are three types of Down syndrome:
- Trisomy 21 (about 95% of cases), where every cell has an extra 21st chromosome.
- Translocation (about 3–4%), where part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome.
- Mosaicism (about 1–2%), where only some cells carry the extra chromosome.
Most cases are not inherited. Translocation is the only type that can be passed down genetically in some families.
- Life Expectancy
According to the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana (DSANI), in the 1960s, the average life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome was around 10 years. By 1983, it had increased to 25 years. Today, thanks to advances in medical care and social inclusion, life expectancy has risen to approximately 60 years.
Raising awareness remains essential to ensuring a society where everyone is welcomed and valued, and this month is an opportunity to promote understanding, inclusion, and respect. With ongoing progress in healthcare, education and community support, people with Down syndrome are living longer, meaningful lives.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call 1-800-473-8440 or 915-479-3484 today to schedule an appointment, or visit www.umcelpaso.org to learn more.
