Mar 21 is World Down Syndrome Day and the Special Education Network & Inclusion Association, also called SENIA International, wants to help their local and regional chapters to celebrate this event. They have created a presentation to teach you about the ‘Lots of Socks’ and hopefully inspire you to spread the word in your local communities. During the week of Mar 21, wear your most colorful and fun socks to represent the extra chromosome that people with Down Syndrome have and help raise awareness about Down Syndrome.
SENIA believes in the boundless potential of every child. It’s a platform for clinicians, therapists, academics, counselors, parents, and students to come together and explore the latest research findings and best practices in the field of special education and there are chapters all over the country. Scroll to the end to find out how to join the SENIA in Beijing.
What is Down syndrome and how do you explain it to your kids?
First, explain what a chromosome is. A chromosome is a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and proteins found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes. On average the human body is made up of 30 – 40 trillion cells.
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21 (hence why we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on Mar 21. It stands for three copies of chromosome 21). This additional genetic material changes the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down Syndrome.
Take the opportunity to teach your kids
We want our kids to be inclusive of others, but if they’ve never met anyone with Down Syndrome it’s not uncommon for them to be afraid of what they’re unfamiliar with. So, instead of focusing on what makes someone with Down Syndrome different, focus on what they have in common.
What’s with the socks though?
Show your kids a picture of chromosomes and ask them what they look like. Some will say they look like gummy worms, but most will likely say they look like funky socks! Because of the shape of the chromosome and because people with Down Syndrome have an extra one, cool fun socks have become the icon of World Down Syndrome Day around the world.
How can kids show their support?
Encourage your kids to wear colorful socks this week and if anyone asks about their socks, they can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down Syndrome.”
So dig out those cool socks and wear them loud and proud. Post your photos on social media and don’t forget to include the hashtags:
#SENIAcommunity
#WDSD2024
#LotsOfSocks
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
To know more, go to www.seniainternational.org or contact them at beijingchapter@seniainternational.org
Images: Courtesy of SENIA Beijing, pexels, Sandy Millar on Unsplash
