Down syndrome is best referred to using people-first language, such as "a person with Down syndrome". Medical alternatives include Trisomy 21 (the technical name for the extra chromosome) or simply referring to it as a genetic condition. Avoid outdated terms like "mongolism" or "Down's," and never say "suffers from".
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." It is preferred to say "Down syndrome" rather than "Down's syndrome." Also avoid using "Down's child" or calling it "Down's."
synonyms: Down's syndrome, mongolianism, mongolism, trisomy 21. birth defect, congenital abnormality, congenital anomaly, congenital defect, congenital disorder.
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.
“The person with Down syndrome,” not “the Down syndrome person.” A person with Down syndrome is not “a Downs person.” A person “has” Down syndrome, rather than “suffers from,” “is a victim of,” “is diseased with,” or “afflicted by.” Each person has his/her own unique strengths, capabilities, and talents.
Also known as Down syndrome, trisomy 21 is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome. Most babies inherit 23 chromosomes from each parent, for a total of 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome however, end up with three chromosomes at position 21, instead of the usual pair.
Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary gives an average IQ of between 50 and 60 for Down's syndrome individuals although IQ scores of 120 have been found in some individuals with the syndrome.
Avoid treating adults with Down syndrome like children. We don't need to call them “cute” or act “surprised” when they talk about an adult topic. They have adult interests, needs, and desires. Infantilizing them undermines their autonomy and potential.
As a result, Down syndrome was also known as “Mongolism” and people with Down syndrome referred to as “Mongoloids” but the use of the word 'mongolism' is now stopped after having so many criticisms about referring a racist title.
Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or a portion of a third chromosome 21. Patients typically present with mild to moderate intellectual disability, growth retardation, and characteristic facial features.
People with Down syndrome typically have distinct physical features, intellectual disabilities of varying degrees, and may also experience health issues such as heart problems and respiratory infections. A common question is, 'Is Down Syndrome a spectrum?” however, unlike autism, it is not.
When referring to a person who has Down's syndrome, it is important that we place the person first: “Amanda has Down's Syndrome” not “Down's syndrome child Amanda.” In the UK, the condition is typically referred to as Down's Syndrome, but Down syndrome is also accepted.
The word “special” is a particularly entrenched euphemism that may also be utilized technically (e.g., “special education”). Disability advocates dislike the use of “special needs” because of its paternalistic nature and instead encourage the use of the words “disabled” and “disability.”
Trisomy 21 (also called Down syndrome) is caused by an extra chromosome 21.
The term intellectual disability used in DSM-5-TR replaces “mental retardation” used previously. The majority of people, 68%, have IQ scores between 85 and 115.
Mosaicism, or mosaic Down syndrome, is diagnosed when there is a mixture of two types of cells. Some have the usual 46 chromosomes, and some have 47. Those cells with 47 chromosomes have an extra chromosome 21. Mosaicism is usually described as a percentage.
10 Famous People with Down Syndrome: Raising Acceptance in the Media
In 1866 British physician, John Langdon Down, for whom the syndrome is now named, first described Down syndrome, as “Mongolism.” The term Down syndrome didn't become the accepted term until the early 1970s.
Here are the Top Disabilities That Are Difficult To Prove
The 7-7-7 rule of parenting generally refers to dedicating three daily 7-minute periods of focused, undistracted connection with your child (morning, after school, bedtime) to build strong bonds and make them feel seen and valued. A less common interpretation involves three developmental stages (0-7 years of play, 7-14 years of teaching, 14-21 years of advising), while another offers a stress-relief breathing technique (7-second inhale, hold, exhale).
With no one factor more important than another, it's now widely accepted that these 6 words should be the focus of childhood disability – functioning, family, fitness, fun, friends and future.
Down Syndrome Statistics by Country in 2025
The mental age is rarely over 8 years old, although a few cases of normal Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in children with DS have Page 2 Cognitive development and adaptive functions in children with Down syndrome at different developmental stages 85 been reported 4.
Physical development. Infants with Down syndrome tend to be placid and passive and do not cry as often as expected. Many infants are born with heart and gastrointestinal defects, and they have somewhat limp muscles. They tend to have a small head and a face that is broad and flat with a short nose.
Of the people with Down syndrome in the United States: 67% are non-Hispanic and White, 13% non-Hispanic and Black, 16% Hispanic, 3% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 1% American Indian or American Native.