Girne American University (GAU), Faculty of Education Special Education Teaching Department faculty member Yılmaz Avcu, released statements about individuals because of March 21 World Autism Awareness Day.

Avcu in the statement regarding March 21 has said that; The day formalized by United Nations and accepted as World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and as such, is being commemorated around the world with various events. Avcu continued with; aim of the day is to create societal awareness about Down Syndrome, preventing such individuals from facing discrimination and prejudice, and draw attention to importance of sustained and early education, and asked “How much do we know about Down Syndrome?”

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is difference in genetics, a chromosome anomaly. Simplest explanation is that in individuals with down syndrome has 47 chromosomes as result of having three chromosome 21, while regular humans have 46 chromosomes. Down Syndrome is not an illness to be treated but a genetic difference. (Due to this difference, awareness day has been chosen as March 21). It happens because Chromosome 21 pair has an extra chromosome as a result of fault in cell division process.

How do 47 Chromosomes happen?

Of the chromosomes that creates the human body, 23 of them are from mother while other 23 is from father. In Down syndrome chromosome there are 3 chromosome 21 instead of 2 (because of this, it is also known as Down syndrome is known as Trisomy 21). As a result of this total number of chromosomes are 47 instead of 46. Colloquially called +1 chromosome difference.

Does it have different types?

There are three types of Down syndrome. These are; Trisomy 21, Translocation, Mosaicism.

How is Down Syndrome Diagnosed during pregnancy?

Down syndrome can be diagnosed by triple screening test, double screening test, ultrasonography and other tests during pregnancy. In addition, definitive diagnosis is made with amniocentesis and CVS (which is process of collecting small amounts of chorionic villus). If detection of genetic discrepancy is detected the family is given information about the subject.