Downs syndrome

[Ember]

Whilst watchingan episode of 'The Royal' tonight, I got to wondering do other races have Downs Syndrome children, i.e. Chinese, Africans etc?

[woofgang]

yes they do

[smudge]

I would imagine all countries have children born with Down's. If they do, then they have a happy, loving little generation living there!

[Ember]

Thank you for your answers, thinking about it because it is caused by an extra chronosome other countries must have these lovely children, I phrased the question badly I was curious as to how they are recognised facially as I cannot remember seeing for instance a coloured Downs Syndrome child. I love these children I know several belonging to different friends and acquaintenances of mine and they are so lovable.

[smudge]

That's ok. Didn't think there was anything wrong with your question & you didn't phrase it badly at all. It's so sad that there are some Down's children out there, that for one reason or another, have been in homes for years, one of which is my niece now 38 yrs old. Her family live in the South & she is in a home up North! She's a loveIy girl, but her parents sadly couldn't cope.

[nuova1]

The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. There is no apostrophe. The "s" in syndrome is not capitalized. I do have to say that there appears to be a substantial amount of stereotyping and discriminatory inferences around here''.. An individual with Down syndrome is an individual first and foremost. The emphasis should be on the person, not the disability. Down syndrome is just one of many words that can be used to describe a person. A "child with Down syndrome" is a more appropriate way to discuss a person with this condition. Using terminology like happy, loving, little generation and terms like 'it's so sad' is not helpful in the slightest and only sustains discriminatory beliefs and approaches. I have no intention of sentimentalising about Down syndrome. There is an old cliche, that they are all docile, affectionate and fond of animals gardening and music. Many people with Down syndrome do not fit this description. They can be hyperactive, obstinate, unkind and tone-deaf.

[nuova1]

Part 2...... Like all other groups in our society they should not be put on a pedestal as heroes, yet their accomplishments achieved despite discrimination and obstacles need to be recognised. For example'.Sarah Duffen and others have passed their driving tests. Nigel Hunt was an author and Sally Johnson a very talented artist, there are actors like Keith Purdon, musicians like Suj'..Judy Hebden and Fiona Ray have won the gold Duke of Edinburgh's award. Ronnie Broomhill is an outstanding sportsman and many others have succeeded in sport, the arts and in ordinary life. Ask yourself if using the words happy, little, loving, sad or whatever other terms are banded about when referring to an individual with Down syndrome is the in his/her best interest. Each person has his/her own unique strength, capabilities, and talents. Try not to use the clich�s that are so common. To assume all people in a particular group have the same characteristics or abilities is degrading. Also, it reinforces the stereotype that "All kids with Down syndrome are the same".

[smudge]

Oh for God's sake - lighten up. I apologise for using an apostophy in Downs & capitalising Syndrome & using words that wasn't to your liking. They were 'MY' thoughts, having known some beautiful Down syndrome children/ adults & others with learning difficulties. Hope my grammar is ok for you this time - I feel like I'm back at school, God help anyone who has to work for or with you.

[smudge]

Nuova1, just how much contact have you had with people with severe disabilities?

[nuova1]

I think its coming up for 20 years contact actually.......and would you say 'lighten up' to someone if they felt that people out there had to be educated about race issues or other areas prone to stereotypical ignorance? It's not just about the grammar, but you have obviously been cloistered in this beautiful idyllic place which some of us prefer to call reality.

[Ember]

Nuova1, a gentle reminder, that this is a question and answer site, good grammar is nice but not essential. Some of the contributors are quite young and are still learning, indeed I am not young and am still learning - hence my question, which incidentally has not really been answered, people seem to have gone off on a tangent.

[nuova1]

I would suggest your question has been more than answered P.Greenwood and if the young access this site then they should have matters explained in a realistic fashion........

[Wispy68]

Hello P.Greenwood. My son attends a school for children with special needs (he has Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome), where there are Asian and black children with Down syndrome. nuova1, my son's syndrome has often been misspelt by paediatricians, doctors and teachers, but as far as I'm concerned, as long as I am getting the answers I need about his syndrome, it doesn't really matter. I was feeling quite positive whilst reading the replies from Smudge, etc, but 'Who does this know it all think he/she is?' came to mind as I started to read your replies. We all have our own levels of knowledge about syndromes, etc, so please try not to belittle people for simply expressing themselves, in their own way.

[smudge]

Well NicolaJane, I wasn't going to bother replying to this him/her upstart, but just couldn't resist agreeing with your sentiments! It's nice to know that some people who have or deal with children with a 'Syndrome' are not all self righteous, bitter & twisted, know it alls. I really do admire you speaking up for your Son. You have a good & positive outlook on life - so don't let other negative people spoil it for you! Well done!

[incitatus]

what intrigues me is why was the syndrome renamed as Down rather than Down's when the former is grammatically dubious?

[Ember]

Nicola Jane, Thank you for answering my question in full. I must tell you that I went to a 50th Birthday Party of a Down Syndrome man, had a great time and believe me they are all wonderful dancers and were still dancing when I cam away exhausted. Best Wishes

[smudge]

As NicolaJane expressed, nitpicking doesn't always get the job done!

[smudge]

Ah, bless you P.Greenwood, what positive thinking. I bet you've given NicolaJane the encouragement that she & other parents with special needs children long for, within our society.