Down Syndrome. Two words that no expectant parent ever wants to hear. Unfortunately, this happens all too often, all over the world. Trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome, as most know it, is defined as a common birth defect that is usually due to an extra chromosome that causes mental retardation, a characteristic facial appearance, and multiple malformations (MedicineNet). To learn a little bit more about the biological factors that cause this disease and what the common symptoms are, flip to the bio/ecological page. Down Syndrome is the most common birth defect in the world, effecting 1 in about 700 babies. This means that about 6,000 babies are born with Down Syndrome each year, and there are over 400,000 people living with Down Syndrome in the US today (NDSS). The occurrence rate and risk goes up significantly, however, as mother’s age increases, especially over 35. I have chosen to study this illness for a number of reasons. Two years ago I was introduced to a little boy named Cameron. He was eight years old at the time, and more full of joy, love, and life than just about anyone that I had ever met. This was my first experience really getting to know someone living with Down Syndrome and getting a look inside their everyday life. This opened up a world of curiosity about what causes down syndrome, how it is identified, treated, and how to help those living with this illness to enjoy a normal, happy life. I think that this is a disease that most people do not really quite understand; something that I think really should be changed. We can learn and grow and benefit so much from getting to know and understand individuals with Down’s, and this will help them to become acclimated and comfortable in society. "Down Syndrome." MedicineNet. March 19, 2012. Accessed August 6, 2014. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3112.
"What Is Down Syndrome?" National Down Syndrome Society. Accessed August 6, 2014. http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/. |
This is an illness that has a concrete biological foundation, but also has many cultural, social and economic factors that medical doctors may not always consider. This is where anthropology comes in to help. While medical doctors are focused on this like brain development, heart and digestive malformations that need to be addressed and treated, they may miss quite a few important points. Things like the effect a family can make on a child’s development, as well as the effect on the life of their caretakers, their cultural and socio-economic status, or non-traditional treatment and development programs. These will all be discussed at different points in this website when analyzing Down Syndrome from five different anthropological approaches. Above, you will find an advertisement published on World Down Syndrome Day to help raise awareness and understanding. You may have already been exposed to this, but if not, hopefully you will find it as touching as I did. |