55 Cool Facts about People with Down Syndrome
by Annie Yorty ©2022
Did you know that March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day? Possibly not, but you probably do know that I am mom to Alyssa, who has Down syndrome. That’s why this week’s blog is devoted to 55 cool facts about people with Down syndrome.
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day began in 2006 and grew into a global awareness movement when it was first observed by the United Nations in 2012. The twenty-first day of the third month of the year represents the fact that a person with Down syndrome has a set of three, rather than the usual two, of the twenty-first chromosome. This is known as Trisomy 21.
Mismatched Socks
On March 21st, people around the world wear mismatched socks to honor the uniqueness of each person with Down syndrome and to advocate for acceptance and inclusion despite differences. Like everyone, people with Down syndrome want to be appreciated for their human value and contributions to society.
These 55 cool facts about people with Down syndrome aren’t all about every person with Down syndrome.
Instead, it’s a collection of cool facts about a variety of people with Down syndrome whom I’ve been blessed to know.
Some of the cool facts might surprise you. Others may remind you of “typical” people, however you define that term. I wonder how many of the 55 cool facts about people with Down syndrome you would say about yourself.
55 Cool Facts about People with Down Syndrome
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Stays loyal as a friend.
- Loves to go shopping.
- Works hard at learning new skills.
- Lights up a room with a smile.
- Enjoys mint Oreo cookie ice cream.
- Says out loud what other people are thinking.
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Gives God the glory.
- Can belt out every word of the Frozen songs.
- Thinks hard about tough issues of life.
- Rocks a photo shoot in the sunflower field.
- Finds comfort in familiar routines.
- Displays chic fashion sense.
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Prays for people in need.
- Revels in biking on a sunny spring day.
- Devours historical fiction.
- Acts in plays.
- Melts at the thought of romance.
- Looks forward to eating out at restaurants.
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Wishes the best for other people.
- Borrows books at the library every week.
- Beats everyone at Bible trivia.
- Faithfully volunteers to help other people.
- Spreads a birthday celebration into a week-long soiree. (Okay, we know this one is Alyssa! 😍)
- Gleefully flops down to create a snow angel.
- Can’t choose between Avengers and Disney movies as all-time favorites.
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Created by God for good purposes.
- Plays a wicked game of Sorry.
- Dances with abandon.
- Cherishes furry friends.
- Obsesses over going to Dollar General.
- Sings in the shower.
- Relies on Nana as a best friend.
- Gets rowdy and competitive at hockey and football games.
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Forgives easily.
- Tells the truth, even if it hurts.
- Bowls an average of 122.
- Swims like a fish, or maybe a mermaid.
- Dotes on small children.
- Works hard to earn money.
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Shares willingly and generously.
- Backseat drives like a pro.
- Advocates for needs.
- Feels beautiful with makeup and a special hairstyle.
- Helps around the house by doing chores.
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Reminds the world that different is valuable.
- Takes pleasure in the simple things in life.
- Relates well to those with a quirky sense of humor.
- Can talk the spots off a leopard.
- Knows how to craft a plan and get ‘er done.
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Infuses the world with joy.
- Delights in painting crafts.
- Looks forward to laying on the beach with a good book on vacation.
- Never misses a thing despite a hearing impairment.
- Remembers the lines to movies after just one viewing.
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Brings pleasure to the heart of God.
You may have noticed that these 55 cool facts about people with Down syndrome are quite diverse. At the risk of stereotyping, though, I will share one observation I think is true of all the people I know who have Down syndrome.
What you see is what you get.
My friends with Down syndrome are authentic in how they present themselves. Inside and outside match. Isn’t that a refreshing quality that we can emulate?
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it (Psalm 139:13-14 NLT).
Join me in celebrating and giving thanks to God for our friends with Down syndrome!
Join the conversation:
If you know someone with Down syndrome, is there a cool fact you would add to my list?
I welcome your comments!
18 Comments
Nancy E. Head
Such a great message for these times when Down syndrome children are too often invisible.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Nancy. It’s sad that people do not value such differences.
Erin
In many ways, people with Down Syndrome, particularly children, show us how our spirits ought to be in respect to God: Trusting, straightforward, loving.
Annie Yorty
Thank you for reading and adding your insights, Erin!
Teresa
I am blessed to have a friend like Alyssa. She has taught me that you cannot tell her “We will go get ice cream ‘some time’ soon for your birthday.” Never say “some time”, that can really disappoint her.
I also had a friend many years ago who was a resident in a Nursing Home where I was working. Sharon was a dear lady with Down Syndrome and she was the best hugger EVER. She would be waiting for me just beyond the timeclock each morning in her electric wheelchair and waited for me to give her a morning hug. She was precious!!!
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Teresa, for adding your great observations. Alyssa definitely will remind you of your suggestions. And I enjoy hugs too!
Katherine Pasour
Thank you for sharing this inspiring message, Annie. The traits I have most noted (and want to develop better in myself) that I’ve observed in people with Down Syndrome are: a sunshine smile; consistent optimism; an encouraging attitude; and being a faithful friend.
Annie Yorty
We can learn much from our friends with Down syndrome and other differences. Thank you for visiting, Katherine.
Barbara Latta
Thanks for sharing that list, Annie. Every Down Syndrome person I have ever met has been a delight. They are so happy and cheerful. I have never seen a worrier. We could all learn from that lesson.
Annie Yorty
Thanks for your observations, Barbara. I’ve learned that people with Down syndrome often have typical worries, but perhaps they express them differently. It sometimes takes some digging to understand them.
Tammy Kennington
Hi Annie,
My husband’s cousin, who I adore, has Down Syndrome and she is the most accepting, lovable young lady I know. Not only that, but she is a competitive gymnast, black belt, and lover of Jesus.
I’ve learned a lot from Kari and appreciate the wonderful list you’ve created.
Blessings,
Tammy
Annie Yorty
I love the facts you added, Tammy. Kari sounds like a remarkable woman whom I’d like to meet. Thank you!
Jennifer
I met the sweetest young man the other day with Down syndrome. I work in the music department at a high school and he needed to me fit for a choir uniform. He was so happy and kept saying how fancy he was and was so excited to dress up. He made my entire week. Thank you for sharing this post.
Annie Yorty
Such a blessing, Jennifer! Thanks for adding to the conversation.
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Valerie
A little late replying (only just read your article). Having a 36 year old son-Andrew- who has Down Syndrome, I can totally relate to the facts you shared. How it warmed my heart and made me smile to realize/remember others share the unique , rich blessing of knowing such very special people.When Andrew was first born, I cried and cried , thinking his future would never amount to the great plans I had for my first child. How wrong I was.He is not a rocket scientist, or succesful in way the “world” deems success-and yet he has achieved and contibuted to the lives of so many people in amazing and meaningful ways. He has truly blessed our family, and everyone who knows him. He has taught us so much about what is truly important, valuing each and every person he encounters.I used to be a little embarrassed as every person Andrew meets, he introduces as his friend.Now I realize, it is actually a demonstration of God’s unconditional love and acceptance. I once was deep in thought, wondering what it would be like to meet Jesus, face to face. At that very moment/ second, Andrew turned to me, and gave me the biggest most beautiful smile. Thank you Annie for reminding me of the tremendous treasure God has given me in my son Andrew.
Annie Yorty
Valerie, thank you for sharing your experiences with Andrew. He sounds like someone I would love to meet.
You see him as a conduit by which you receive God’s grace, mercy, and love. You’ve brought happy tears to my eyes. Blessings to you!