People with Down Syndrome can lead a typical lifestyle once educational treatment begins from an early age.
This, according to Dr David Bratt, a leading paediatrician.
“The more that you stimulate them and the better education they get. And the earlier you diagnose something is wrong, and therefore start early education and stimulation, the further they will go.”
“They fall into the group special education and like all special-ed kids, the earlier you start…the further they can go,” he said.
With this in mind, honorary board member of the Down Syndrome Family Network Lisa Ghany said, there needs to be an increased effort placed on a more inclusive education system that caters for children with special needs in T&T.
“There should be policy, government policy in education should cover inclusive education for all.”
“Internationally, not only in Trinidad but in countries all over the world, in South America, other areas of the Caribbean and globally… a lot of kids and persons who have disabilities and Down Syndrome do not experience the same opportunities as typical children do.
“Whether you’re talking about education, health care, social service delivery, community involvement - you know things kids with disabilities experience that keeps them left out of the involvement in these areas,” Ghany said.
One of the most prominent effects of the condition, aside from a person’s appearance, is its impact on their cognitive ability.
Annually on March 21, people around the globe celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
It has been recognised by the United Nations since 2012 as a means of spreading awareness of the condition.
Down Syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics or health. This year’s theme is #leavenoonebehind.
As part of its commemoration, people are encouraged to wear colourful, “funky” socks.
The initiative is part of the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign, which was started by Down Syndrome International to encourage people to start a conversation about diversity, uniqueness, inclusion and acceptance.