SHARES
“A warm-hearted, extremely loving and affectionate soul who finds his world in movies and comic books, Jijo is a passionate artist and illustrator,” his family describing Jijo, who is living with Down syndrome.
For centuries, people with Down syndrome have long been alluded to art and literature. Given the artistic talent and creativity, it seems as if a certain degree of cognitive decline is the price being asked for. In a way, this is a syndrome which people live with instead of suffering from.
The Extra Chromosome is the Cause
The human embryo forms when a sperm cell with 23 chromosomes, fuses with an egg cell with another set of 23 chromosomes. These chromosomes contain genetic materials necessary for formation of a new life. Sometimes there is an extra copy of chromosome number 21 such that the resultant embryo have 47 chromosomes in total. Under most circumstances, a major change in the genetic materials of an embryo would make the embryo non-viable. However, in the case of the embryo with one extra copy of chromosome number 21, it is more likely to survive and the baby commonly live up to adulthood.
Due to the presence of extra genetic material, people with Down Syndrome grow up with characteristic signs and symptoms. These includes slanting eyes, flat nose, small stature, single deep crease across palm, etc. Different individuals exhibit these signs to different extent. Some have minimum to no symptoms at all. On the other hand, they may have associated heart disease and digestive system problems.
Photo by dtasheva from Flickr
The Discovery of Down Syndrome
People have previously identified and described the characteristics of this syndrome. It is not until late nineteenth century that a gentleman, John Langdon Down, published an accurate account of the syndrome. This earns him the recognition as the “father” of the syndrome, hence Down syndrome.
Later, researchers were able to look deeper into the issue and found the reason, which is an extra copy of chromosome 21. This is usually due to the failure of chromosome pair to separate (nondisjunction) during the formation of egg cells. Rarely, it can be a result of uneven chromosome distribution in the course of embryonic cells division (mosaicism). The latter generally have fewer symptoms of Down syndrome.
The World Down Syndrome Day
The official date for World Down Syndrome Day falls on the 21st of March every year. This is celebrated worldwide to increase public awareness on the condition. Matter of fact, 21st of March reminds us of the three copies of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) that is found in people with the syndrome.
With growing public awareness now, people living with this syndrome integrates better into the society. For instance, in schools, healthcare system, work force, social and recreational activities. With timely intervention such as medical, physiotherapy, occupational, speech therapy and good parental support as well as a special education program, people with Down syndrome can achieve a good quality of life.
It is important to understand that cognitive delay in Down syndrome is generally mild to moderate. Also, the old notion that children with such condition have a life expectancy of about 10 years old is obsolete. With advances in medicine such as the advent of antibiotics and heart surgeries, most can live up to 60 years old. Thus, there is increasing need for widespread public education and acceptance.
#LotsOfSocks 2020
The theme for World Down Syndrome Day in 2020 is “LotsOfSocks”. People around the world are wearing their craziest pair of socks with bright and contrasting colours, various patterns or even having three layers of socks on, to raise public awareness. The idea comes from the unique socks design by Jijo, who has Down syndrome and who is the artist behind the brand “Art of My Optimus”, . “He may be slow with cognitive skills but ever since he learned how to hold a pencil/chalk, he starts doing what he loved”, Jijo’s family is very supportive of Jijo’s work, and passion.
Photo by Seen Soal from Flickr
Conclusion
With advances in medicine, people with Down syndrome are living longer and healthier. Persons with this condition are becoming more integrated into the society no matter at work, at school or other social settings. There is a need for the public to understand that Down syndrome is not a disease. Just like everyone else, all of us are born to be unique, some with our own unique advantages and disadvantages.
References:
1. Presenting the official #LotsOfSocks 2020 [Internet]. Down Syndrome International. 2019. (Available from: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday2.org/presenting-the-official-lotsofsocks-2020; last accessed on 2020 Oct 4)
2. What is Down Syndrome [Internet]. National Down Syndrome Society. 2020. (Available from: https://www.ndss.org/about-down-syndrome/down-syndrome/; last accessed on 2020 Oct 4)
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by Chang Xian
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