Chris Burke, American Actor & NDSS Goodwill Ambassador
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21—not a disease. It is also known as Trisomy 21. Instead of the usual 46 chromosomes, people with Down syndrome have 47. About 95% of cases are Trisomy 21, while the remaining cases are Translocation Down syndrome and Mosaic Down syndrome, which are less common forms.
Children with Down syndrome often experience delays in movement, speech, learning, and social development, which may cause them to reach milestones such as walking, talking, toilet training, and independent eating later than other children. They may also display behaviours like tantrums, stubbornness, attention difficulties, or repetitive actions due to challenges in communication.
The greatest barrier has never been an extra chromosome. It has been society’s assumptions. While countries like Iceland have drawn attention for very high rates of prenatal detection followed by elective termination of affected pregnancies, many people and disability advocates argue that true inclusion is measured not by who is born, but by whether every person is valued and supported. Meanwhile, countries such as India continue to face challenges in fully implementing disability rights and ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and employment.
People with Down syndrome attend school, build careers, form meaningful relationships, and today often live into their 60s and beyond.
Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia – “The Rubber Girl of India”
One of India’s most inspiring examples is Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia from Gujarat. Born with Down syndrome, a congenital heart defect, and Hirschsprung's disease, Anvi overcame significant medical challenges from infancy. Through years of dedication, she became a nationally recognized yoga champion, mastering more than 200 yoga asanas and earning over 50 medals and trophies. She has received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, has been featured by World Down Syndrome Day, and has inspired thousands by promoting yoga across India.
Anvi's journey proves that Down syndrome does not limit talent or determination. Given opportunity, support, and acceptance, people with Down syndrome can achieve extraordinary success.
People with Down syndrome are excelling across diverse fields. From Ironman triathlete Chris Nikic and international model Madeline Stuart to actor Zack Gottsagen, educator Pablo Pineda, swimmer Karen Gaffney, and entrepreneur John Cronin. They are proving that talent and determination matter far more than a diagnosis.
True inclusion means creating a world where people with Down syndrome are seen, represented, and valued. One powerful example is Barbie’s doll with Down syndrome, developed with guidance from the Down Syndrome community. It allows children with Down syndrome to see themselves represented, while teaching other children that differences are a natural part of society. Such inclusive representation helps build empathy, reduces stereotypes, and reminds every child that they belong and can dream without limits.
Inclusive education allows children with Down syndrome to learn alongside their peers, promoting friendship, confidence, and equal opportunities. Similarly, more workplaces now employ people with Down syndrome, recognizing their skills, dedication, and valuable contributions. They are breaking stereotypes every single day. They are hitting the gym, baking professionally, walking the runway as models, practicing and teaching yoga, competing in sports, acting in films, running businesses, earning university degrees, and pursuing careers just like anyone else. Their achievements remind us that the real limitations often come not from a genetic condition, but from society’s low expectations and lack of opportunities. Given acceptance, education, and the right support, people with Down syndrome continue to prove that they can dream big, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Let’s stop talking about what “holds a person back” and start talking about what that person is capable of, and how ignoring abilities of some people holds all of society back.
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