Celebrating World Down Syndrome day on the 21st day of the 3rd month of the year symbolizes the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which is what causes Down Syndrome. Typically, we have 46 chromosomes total—23 from the mother and 23 from the father. People with Down syndrome have an extra 21st chromosome, so they have 47 chromosomes.

Down syndrome, named after English doctor John Langdon Down who first categorized the condition, is not a birth defect, it is not a disease, and it is not contagious. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause a number of factors all of which depend on the individual.

People with Down syndrome may be hard of hearing or have difficulty with their vision. They may have slower muscle function or have a hard time remembering things. Some people with Down syndrome have heart conditions and need surgery.

Having seen a number of children with Down syndrome over the years in my practice, I’ve learned that we often greatly underestimate those who have this genetic disorder. Kids with Down syndrome can do much more than we think. Simply because they may take a longer time to respond or find the words they want to…