Around 1 in every 800 babies born have Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where the baby is born with an extra 21st chromosome, which affects the physical and mental development and causes a learning disability of some level. This means that people with Down syndrome with have a range of abilities and so some will require more support than others. Despite this, all people with Down syndrome are capable of learning and deserve to be treated with respect.

World Down Syndrome Day takes place every 21st March to signify the triplication of the 21st chromosome and has been offically  recognised by the UN since 2012. This day aims to raise global awarness about Down syndrome.

The theme for this year is With Us Not For Us which, according to the website for World Down Syndrome Day, refers to the people supporting them doing everything for them which does not allow those who have Down syndrome much control over their life. It seeks to get rid of the old attitude of people taking pity on those with a disability and for people to start viewing them as equals.

Typically, people celebrating World Down Syndrome Day will wear odd, brightly coloured and patterend socks because socks look like chromosomes. The reasoning behind the bright colours and patterns is to show that not all people with Down syndrome are the same. So let's all wear our odd socks to raise awareness about Down Syndrome.