What is the politically correct term for someone with Down syndrome?

What is the politically correct term for someone with Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome and other medical diagnoses should always be referred to as people first. Instead of describing someone as “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” This is called “person first” language and takes care to put the emphasis on a person, not a disability.

What should you not say to someone with Down syndrome?

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Mother of a Child with Down Syndrome

• Nothing.
• “You only get given what you can handle.”
• “He/she is God’s gift.”
• “I could never handle what you handle.”
• The “R” word.
• “Did you get genetic testing?”
• ‘
• “Everything happens for a reason.”

What did they call people with Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome used to be labeled “idiots, morons,” and “imbeciles” by both society and the medical profession. The label evolved into “Mongoloid, handicapped, mentally retarded, retarded,” and then for short, “retard.”

Is it OK to say Down syndrome?

People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.” Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease.

Can a person with Down’s syndrome have a normal baby?

Misconception: People who have Down syndrome cannot have children. Reality: It’s true that a person with Down syndrome may have significant challenges in rearing a child. But women who have Down syndrome are fertile and can give birth to children.

How do you congratulate a child with Down syndrome parents?

THINGS TO SAY – These are the things parents have found comforting or made them feel good:

1. “Congratulations.” They just had a baby!
2. “He/She looks just like you.” The baby probably does look like someone in the family.
3. Tell them what you have learned from the RMDSA website and share the resources you’ve identified.

How do you calm a child with Down syndrome?

Everyday Tips

1. Give your child chores around the house.
2. Have your child play with other kids who do and don’t have Down syndrome.
3. Keep your expectations high as your child tries and learns new things.
4. Make time to play, read, have fun, and go out together.
5. Support your child in doing day-to-day tasks on their own.

Can a Down syndrome child look normal?

People with Down syndrome all look the same. There are certain physical characteristics that can occur. People with Down syndrome can have all of them or none. A person with Down syndrome will always look more like his or her close family than someone else with the condition.

What is the correct way to write Down syndrome?

The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. There is no apostrophe (Down). The “s” in syndrome is not capitalized (syndrome).

How do you write Down syndrome?

The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. There is no apostrophe “s” in Down. The “s” in syndrome is not capitalized (syndrome). Encourage people to use people-first language.

Does Down syndrome run in the family?

Does Down Syndrome Run in Families? All 3 types of Down syndrome are genetic conditions (relating to the genes), but only 1\% of all cases of Down syndrome have a hereditary component (passed from parent to child through the genes). Heredity is not a factor in trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) and mosaicism.

Can someone with Down syndrome have normal intelligence?

I.Q. scores for people with Down syndrome vary, with the average cognitive delays being mild to moderate, not severe. In fact, normal intelligence is possible.

Are there “DOS and don’ts” for Down syndrome?

Even a parent of a child with Down syndrome takes some time to adjust to the “Dos and Don’ts” regarding words associated with our community. So please give people a chance and do not overreact by criticizing, attacking, or acting upset by someone’s inadvertent use of “politically incorrect” words.

What do you call a person with Down syndrome?

Rather than refer to someone as a “Down’s child” or a “Down syndrome person,” you recognize the person first, then the condition, e.g. a person with Down syndrome.

Is there a difference between derogatory words and words used to label Down syndrome?

As award-winning actor, parent-advocate, and Global Down Syndrome Foundation International Spokesperson, John C. McGinley has said, there is no difference between derogatory words used to label ethnic or religious minorities and the words used to label people with Down syndrome.

How can I make friends with people with Down syndrome?

If you ever want to create instant affinity with those who have loved ones with Down syndrome, use people-first language. They will notice and appreciate it.