Sunny and simple: Russia celebrates International Day of Man with Down Syndrome
March 21 is a worldwide day for a person with Down Syndrome. The date was established in 2005, Russia joined this day in 2011. This day exists in the calendar in order to society paid attention to other special children and adults.
Down syndrome is hardly a disease. That is why children with such a diagnosis are called not sick, but “sunny”, “innocent”.
The syndrome develops at the chromosomal level, and is caused by the presence of extra chromosomes in 21 pairs, the third - trisomy develops. That is why such a date is chosen March 21 - 21st of the third month of each year.
Despite the special appearance, similar to the Mongoloid, the face looks somewhat flattened, there are additional folds on the neck, the joints are excessively mobile, and muscle underdevelopment can be observed.
"Sunny" children develop more slowly than others, but they are fully capable of learning and creativity. All children with such a diagnosis are distinguished by incredible good humor, gullibility and simplicity, tremendous love for their parents and people in general. Never a person with Down syndrome is evil, aggressive.
On the eve of the significant date, Russian scientists called factors that influence the likelihood of having a baby with Down syndrome. According to RIA Novosti, such a baby can be born in absolutely any family, race and social status affect it. The main factor is mom's age. For women by the age of 40, this probability increases by 9 times compared to the age of thirty. For women at 30, this risk is estimated at 1: 1000, and at 40 is already 9: 1000.
In Russia, a prenatal screening program has been adopted and is in effect; it is administered to all women who are registered with the antenatal clinic. In the first and second trimester of pregnancy it is possible to detect possible markers by ultrasound, as well as the results of blood tests. As part of the screening, it is possible to assume how high the risk of having a child with the syndrome is in a particular woman.
It was this screening that showed that the child of TV presenter Evelina Blödance would be born with a chromosomal abnormality. But she did not have an abortion, and a wonderful boy, Semen, was born. On the eve of the date, 49-year-old Evelina launched a flash mob called Lots of Socks, which translates as "A lot of socks." Participants wear bright but different socks to attract public attention to people who are not like everyone else.
The action was supported by TV presenter Ekaterina Strizhenova, singer Olga Orlova, Zapashny brothers and many other stars.
Also in Russia today launched a large flash mob with a hashtag #we are all different, joined by many stars of cinema, pop, theater, as well as thousands of ordinary Russians. Its essence is the same - to pass the day in different bright socks, to attract the attention of others, to ask them to ask why, and in response, tell them what we are all different and it is perfectly normal.
