Is Down Syndrome Politically Correct?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While Down syndrome is listed in many dictionaries with both popular spellings (with or without an apostrophe “s”), the preferred usage in the

United States is Down syndrome

. This is because an apostrophe “s” indicates ownership or possession.

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.”

What do you call a person 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.”

What is the politically correct term for mentally disabled?

Term Now Used:

disabled person

, person with a . Term no longer in use: mental handicap. Term Now Used: intellectual disability. Term no longer in use: mentally handicapped.

What famous person has Down syndrome?

Names Details
Jay Beatty

Celtic F.C. fan
Jamie Brewer Actress who appeared in American Horror Story: Murder House and American Horror Story: Coven Chris Burke Actor and folk singer, best known for his role in Life Goes On as character Charles “Corky” Thacher Collette Divitto Entrepreneur who started Collettey's Cookies

What gender is Down syndrome most common in?

Down syndrome appears to be more common among

boys than girls

, the study indicates. The condition is also seen more frequently in Hispanic children at birth, though the number of these children appears to level off with that of white children as they age. Black children appear less likely to have Down syndrome.

What are politically correct terms?

Politically correct words or terms are

used to show differences between people or groups in a non-offensive way

. This difference may be because of race, gender, beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, or because they have a mental or physical disability, or any difference from what most people believe is normal.

How do you say disabled politely?

In referring to people with , it is preferable to use language that focuses on their abilities rather than their disabilities. Therefore, the use of the terms “handicapped,” “

able-bodied

,” “physically challenged,” and “differently abled” is discouraged.

What are the 4 levels of mental retardation?

The DSM-IV classifies mental retardation into four stages based on severity:

mild (IQ score of 50-55 to approximately 70)

, moderate (IQ score of 30-35 to 50-55), severe (IQ score of 20-25 to 35-40), and profound (IQ score of less than 20-25).

Can someone with Down syndrome have normal intelligence?

scores for people with Down syndrome vary, with the average cognitive delays being mild to moderate, not severe. In fact,

normal intelligence is possible

. If a person with Down syndrome has difficulty with hearing, it can be misinterpreted as a problem with understanding.

What age is the oldest living person with Down syndrome?

He has defied the odds to reach the ripe old age of

78

after medics feared he would never see his teenage years. Niece Nikki Wright, 44, from East Leake, who visits him every week, said: “It's brilliant he is now officially the oldest person in the country with Down's syndrome.

What is life expectancy for Down syndrome?

Today, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome is

nearly 60 years

and continuing to climb.

What are the 3 types of Down syndrome?

The three basic types of Down syndrome are

trisomy 21, translocation, and mosaicism

. All types of Down syndrome result from irregular chromosomes in some or all of the baby's cells. These irregularities are caused by abnormal cell division, usually in the egg but sometimes in the sperm, before or after conception.

Can Down syndrome be prevented?


There's no way to prevent Down syndrome

. If you're at high risk of having a child with Down syndrome or you already have one child with Down syndrome, you may want to consult a genetic counselor before becoming pregnant.

Can you reverse Down syndrome?

Down's Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder brought on by the presence of all of part of a third copy of chromosome 21. Linked to delays in physical growth, mild to moderate intellectual impairment and distinctive facial features,

there is currently no cure for the disease

.

What are examples of politically correct words?

Some everyday examples of politically correct behaviour include:

Asking a person about their ‘partner'

, instead of using gendered terms like ‘girlfriend/boyfriend' or ‘husband/wife'. You might choose to do this to avoid assuming the person's sexual orientation or gender, or even that they have chosen to be married.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.