On 29 February 2012, General Assembly declared to celebrate every year March 21 as World Down Syndrome day to spread awareness on what Down syndrome is, how it occurs and what it is mean to have Down syndrome.

How Down Syndrome Occurs

Choosing March 21 for World Down Syndrome has its own significance. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that occurs because of trisomy or triplication of the 21^st chromosome; hence the global awareness day is marked on March 21. Each cell in the body has 23 sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, but Down syndrome occurs when one parent contributes additional genetic material.

World Down syndrome Day Theme 2020: We Decide

For the year 2020, Down Syndrome International (DSi) gave the theme for WDSD 2020 is “We Decide”. All people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to or affecting their lives is the main motto of DSi behind this theme. The theme for 2020, “We Decide” is inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) which supports effective and meaningful participation as a core human right.

Every year WDSD – World Down Syndrome Day launches a campaign to raise awareness on Down syndrome on March 21 named #lotsofsocks which inspires to wear colored socks, printed socks, 1 sock or 3 socks for 3 chromosomes. Try to wear them at home, nursery, school, college, university, work, play, travel, on holiday wherever you will be on 21 March!

A person suffering from Down syndrome can show various Physical and Mental symptoms:

Physical Symptoms include– Short Neck, small head, flattened mouth, upward slanting eyes, short hands, and fingers, poor muscle tone

Mental Symptoms include– slow grasping power, poor speech development, poor judgment, and impulsive behavior.