---
title: "October Is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month: What Families Need to Know"
description: With Down Syndrome Awareness Month fast approaching, find out ways you can get in on the fun and make a difference this October!
image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/161.jpg
---

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# October Is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month: What Families Need to Know

![A mother of a girl with Down syndrome kisses her daughter on the cheek](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/161.jpg)

A lot of exciting things happen each October. The World Series crowns an MLB champion, everyone gets to dress up in neat costumes on Halloween, and leaves’ color starts changing into beautiful tapestries.

Another awesome part of October is celebrating National Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

There’s no better opportunity to recognize the achievements of the nearly 400,000 Americans with Down Syndrome while pushing for greater acceptance in all of society’s facets. To mark the occasion, NeuroNav has put together resources and suggestions to make 2026 the best awareness month ever. Let’s get started!

## What Is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month All About?

Down Syndrome Awareness Month, put on by the National Down Syndrome Society, aims to support the further societal integration of people with Down Syndrome. Basically, it’s a chance for individuals to say, “Hey! We lead full, productive lives just like neurotypical people. Let us be included, too!”

Because Down syndrome is relatively common, occurring in [one out of every 640](https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/living-with-down-syndrome/index.html) live births, awareness month focuses more on acceptance and less on awareness of the condition itself. In October, many people with Down syndrome, along with their families, tell stories about their hopes, dreams, and abilities.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month also provides opportunities to recognize [trailblazers and their extraordinary accomplishments](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/5-talented-authors-with-down-syndrome-books-to-add-to-your-reading-list). For instance, do you know that people with Down syndrome have completed a full-distance Ironman Triathlon, presented an award at the Oscars, won an election to the Spanish Parliament, and modeled at New York Fashion Week?

Perhaps the most staggering improvement in the Down syndrome community is the increase in average life expectancy. In 1960, the average baby with Down syndrome was expected to live to about 10. Today, that [figure is 60](https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/facts-about-down-syndrome/)—and increasing.

## A Quick History of National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Unsurprisingly, Down Syndrome Awareness Month was born out of necessity.

In the late 1970s, the mother of a child with the condition discovered shockingly few resources and support groups, so she (Betsy Goodwin) co-founded the National Down Syndrome Society. Just a few years later, the NDSS held its first awareness month.

## Ways to Participate in National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

People like you are the lifeblood of Down syndrome awareness, and you can make a difference this October by participating. Here are three easy ways to advance the cause during Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

### Post on Your Social Media Accounts

The easiest way to reach dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people is by leveraging your social media presence. A short video or reel telling your or your loved one’s story can go viral with a little creativity (and a healthy dose of humor).

### Take Part in a Buddy Walk

One of the flagship programs of Down Syndrome Awareness Month is the Buddy Walk, a mainstay since 1995.

The concept is simple: individuals with Down syndrome and their loved ones participate in an organized walk around a public area to raise awareness and the need for societal acceptance. Find the closest event with the [National Down Syndrome Society](https://ndss.org/national-buddy-walk-program).

### Donate to the NDSS in Honor of Someone You Know

If you don’t have the time or energy to do much participating, that’s perfectly okay—nonprofits can always use more funding! You could also consider [shopping for awareness merchandise](https://ndss.org/donate/shop-ndss) or supporting a business owned by someone with Down syndrome.

Bonus tip: blue and yellow are the Down syndrome awareness colors. Wear them with pride, and use your unique outfits to start productive conversations!

## Down Syndrome Awareness Resources to Share and Explore

As always, you and your loved ones are not alone in your Down syndrome journey. Countless organizations and advocacy groups are leading the way in promoting awareness and acceptance and providing support when needed.

The following links may prove useful to you:

- [National Down Syndrome Society](https://ndss.org/), the leading nonprofit for people with the condition.
- The [National Down Syndrome Congress](https://ndsccenter.org/), a global support network and advocacy organization.
- [National Association for Down Syndrome](https://www.nads.org/), an organization that helps people with Down syndrome “achieve their full potential.”
- [GiGi’s Playhouse](https://gigisplayhouse.org/), a nationwide group of facilities that offer free programs for individuals.
- National Institutes of Health’s [educational database and index](https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/down/more_information/resources).

## NeuroNav Helps Support Self-Determination in Children & Adults with Down Syndrome

Californians with Down syndrome and other intellectual or developmental disabilities have access to the Self-Determination Program (SDP). Through the SDP, participants can use funds from their local regional center to pay for supports and services that help them live full lives.

The SDP allows creative uses and flexibility with those public funds, but the enrollment process can be confusing and overwhelming. Many participants and their families find success and efficiency with a trained independent facilitator (IF).

NeuroNav is one of the most established and reputable [IF firms](https://neuronav.org/families) in the state, and we offer expert guidance during every step of your SDP journey. If you’re interested, [schedule a consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) with our team to discuss elevating your loved one’s hopes and dreams.

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