Published in recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects how the body and brain develop. Every October, Down Syndrome Awareness Month brings communities together to celebrate people with Down syndrome, learn from their experiences, and support greater inclusion. It was first introduced in the 1980s, thanks to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

Today, people, families, schools, workplaces, and organizations recognize the month in different ways. Some share educational resources or personal stories. Others organize community events, advocate for inclusion, or raise funds to support people with Down syndrome.

At its heart, Down Syndrome Awareness Month is about recognizing people with Down syndrome as individuals with their own experiences, interests, and aspirations.

It’s also a reminder that inclusion matters throughout the year, not just in October.

In this article, you can find some key facts about Down Syndrome from authoritative sources, and ways to support families and individuals living with it. For some families, supporting a loved one also means managing medical care, therapy, education, and related expenses. There are many ways to help, from learning and sharing information to supporting families and organizations in the community.

Whether you’re looking to learn more about it or find ways to support someone you care about, understanding the condition is a good place to start.

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that happens when a person has an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21.

Chromosomes carry genetic information that helps our bodies grow and develop. This extra genetic material affects how the body and brain develop.

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. According to the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 5,775 babies are born with Down syndrome in the US each year.

What are the three types of Down syndrome?

The CDC explains that there are three types of Down syndrome:

• Trisomy 21: About 95% of people with Down syndrome have this type. Each cell has three separate copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual two.
• Translocation: About 3% have this type. An extra part or whole copy of chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome.
• Mosaicism: About 2% have this type. Some cells have an extra copy of chromosome 21, while others have the usual two copies.

Down syndrome occurs in people of all ethnicities and income levels. Some common physical traits may include low muscle tone, shorter height, and eyes that slant upward.

However, no two people with Down syndrome are alike. Their abilities, health needs, and development can vary widely. Tests before birth can’t predict exactly how Down syndrome will affect a child.

What causes Down syndrome?

Down syndrome happens when a person has extra genetic material from chromosome 21.

Researchers don’t know exactly why this happens, and there’s no known way to prevent Down syndrome.

Most cases aren’t inherited. Down syndrome isn’t caused by something a parent did or didn’t do. However, some cases involving translocation can be inherited.

The chance of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with the age of the pregnant person, especially after age 35.

Still, Down syndrome can occur at any age. Most babies with Down syndrome are born to people younger than 35.

How is Down syndrome diagnosed?

Down syndrome can be identified before or after birth.

During pregnancy, healthcare providers may offer two types of tests:

• Screening tests: Estimate the chance that a baby has Down syndrome.
• Diagnostic tests: Can confirm whether a baby has Down syndrome.

After birth, a healthcare provider may notice physical traits associated with Down syndrome. A chromosome test can confirm the diagnosis.

A healthcare provider or genetic counselor can explain the available testing options, help families understand the results, and connect them with resources and support.

Families interested in learning more about Down syndrome research can also explore the National Institutes of Health’s DS-Connect, which provides information about research and opportunities to participate.

Health and development in people with Down syndrome

People with Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing certain health conditions. However, every person’s health needs are different, and not everyone will experience these conditions.

According to the CDC, 50% to 65% of babies with Down syndrome are born with a heart defect.

Some heart conditions require surgery, while others may improve as a child grows.

Other health conditions that are more common among people with Down syndrome include:

• Hearing loss, affecting up to 75%
• Obstructive sleep apnea, affecting 50% to 75%
• Ear infections, affecting 50% to 70%
• Eye conditions such as cataracts, affecting up to 60%
• Vision problems that require glasses, affecting about 50%
• Alzheimer’s disease later in life

These figures describe increased health risks, not what every person with Down syndrome will experience.

Regular medical care can help children and adults with Down syndrome stay healthy.

Early support, including speech, language, and physical therapy, can also help children develop skills and reach developmental milestones.

The type and amount of support someone needs may change throughout their life.

Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome

People with Down syndrome are living longer than in past generations, thanks in part to advances in medical care and treatment.

According to the CDC, average life expectancy increased from approximately 10 years in 1960 to about 47 years in 2007.

The National Down Syndrome Society reports that life expectancy is now approximately 60 years.

Life expectancy varies from person to person. Health conditions, access to healthcare, and other factors can affect outcomes.

How to take part in Down Syndrome Awareness Month

There are many ways to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month and support the Down syndrome community.

You don’t need to organize a large event or make a financial contribution to help. Small, thoughtful actions can build understanding, strengthen connections, and support inclusion.

Here are six ways to get involved.

1. Learn about Down syndrome and share what you learn

Understanding Down syndrome can help challenge misconceptions and encourage more inclusive communities.

Explore the National Down Syndrome Society’s awareness month resources, including educational materials and fact cards.

Sharing reliable information with friends, family, or colleagues is one way to help others learn.

2. Listen to people with Down syndrome

People with Down syndrome are the experts on their own experiences.

Take time to learn about their interests, achievements, challenges, and goals.

Listening to people with Down syndrome and making space for them to share their stories helps ensure conversations about inclusion reflect their perspectives.

3. Join a community event

Community events can bring people together to celebrate inclusion and build connections.

The National Buddy Walk program has brought communities together to promote awareness, inclusion, and support since 1995.

You can look for events in your area or explore ways to participate with friends and family.

4. Support inclusion in everyday life

Inclusion goes beyond awareness events.

Schools, workplaces, and community spaces all have opportunities to become more welcoming and accessible.

Supporting inclusive education, employment opportunities, and community activities can help people with Down syndrome participate in ways that matter to them.

5. Offer practical support to someone you know

Every person and family has different needs.

Some may appreciate help with transportation, meals, or everyday responsibilities. Others may need assistance finding resources or covering an expense.

Rather than assuming what someone needs, consider asking how you can help.

6. Donate, share, or start a fundraiser

Fundraising is another way to support people with Down syndrome and the organizations serving their communities.

Some fundraisers help families manage medical expenses, therapy costs, or accessibility needs. Others support educational opportunities, community programs, or personal goals.

You can donate to a fundraiser that matters to you, share one with your community, or start a fundraiser for someone you care about.

Start a fundraiser

Explore fundraisers supporting people with Down syndrome

For some, fundraising helps cover medical care, therapy, or accessibility-related expenses. For others, it brings friends, family, and neighbors together to support education, community activities, or plans for the future.

A fundraiser can give people a way to share their story, explain what support would be helpful, and invite others to contribute.

If you’re looking for a way to help, consider exploring fundraisers supporting people with Down syndrome.

You can make a donation, share a fundraiser with others, or offer support in another way.

Supporting children and families

Many families provide care and support at home.

According to CDC research, nearly 60% of families of children with Down syndrome reported providing healthcare at home.

This may include managing medical equipment, giving medications, or helping with therapies.

Medical expenses can also be a concern for some families. A study of privately insured children found that healthcare costs for infants with Down syndrome and congenital heart defects were five to seven times higher than for infants with Down syndrome without heart defects.

Depending on their circumstances, families may need help with medical expenses, transportation, therapy, or other everyday costs.

Support can take many forms. It might mean bringing a meal, offering a ride to an appointment, helping with an expense, or sharing a fundraiser.

Sometimes, the most helpful thing we can do is ask someone what they need and listen to their answer.

• All

Education, employment, and independence

As people with Down syndrome grow older, their needs and goals may change.

Access to education, meaningful employment, housing, and community resources can help people build the lives they want.

October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes the importance of inclusive workplaces and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Families looking for information and support can contact the NDSS Helpline at 800-221-4602.

• All

Organizations supporting the Down syndrome community

You can also support organizations that help people with Down syndrome and their families access resources, build connections, and find community.

Here are three organizations doing this work:

• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): The organization works toward a world where people with Down syndrome can thrive. The organization’s mission centers on creating a future where every person with Down syndrome has the opportunity to thrive and pursue their own goals.
• Jack’s Basket: A nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating babies with Down syndrome and supporting their families. With a primary focus on the United States, Jack’s Basket aims to reach as many babies with Down syndrome as possible, offering support to families from the time of diagnosis through their baby’s first birthday. Its mission is rooted in celebrating every baby and helping families feel supported during this important first year.
• Black Down Syndrome Association: It works to connect Black families who have loved ones with Down syndrome with resources that can meaningfully improve their lives. Recognizing the importance of culturally specific, safe spaces within the Down syndrome and broader disability communities, the organization helps families find connection and support. It also works to address inequalities and reduce barriers to resources, education, and support, helping meet the needs of families who may otherwise face challenges accessing these opportunities.

Supporting organizations like these is one way to help strengthen the Down syndrome community, during Down Syndrome Awareness Month and throughout the year.

Supporting people with Down syndrome throughout the year

Down Syndrome Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate people with Down syndrome, learn from their experiences, and recognize the importance of inclusion.

But support doesn’t have to end when October does.

Throughout the year, we can help build more inclusive communities by listening, learning, supporting opportunities, and showing up for one another.

Whether you share information, volunteer your time, donate to a fundraiser, or help someone you know, every act of support matters.

Sources and further reading

For more information about Down syndrome, explore these resources:

Organization	Resource
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)	About Down syndrome
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)	Living with Down syndrome
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)	Facts, myths, and truths about Down syndrome
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)	Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Institutes of Health (NIH)	DS-Connect

This article is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about Down syndrome, screening, or care, talk with a qualified healthcare provider.