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 is the medical term for Down syndrome?

Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. A medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is trisomy. Down syndrome is also referred to as Trisomy 21.

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.”

What is another word for Down syndrome?

Down syndrome, also called Downs syndrome, trisomy 21, or (formerly) mongolism, congenital disorder caused by the presence in the human genome of extra genetic material from chromosome 21.

Do you capitalize syndrome in Down syndrome?

The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. The “s” in syndrome is not capitalized (syndrome).

What are the traits of Down syndrome?

A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm – although each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all.

Why are people using lower case i?

Typing in lowercase signals familiarity. It says: “We know each other and dont need to be fancy.” Lowercase text can read as honest, unedited, and approaching something like a stream of consciousness — more like actual speech.

Do people with Down syndrome prefer person first language?

Its important that people who support individuals with Down syndrome use People First Language at all times. People with Down syndrome have the same rights as everyone else and should be treated with respect. Remember to use People First Language in all your interactions to convey respect and to model by example.

How do you talk to someone with Down syndrome?

How to Talk About Down SyndromePeople 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 Downs child and describing the condition as Downs, as in, He has Downs.”More items

Is using all caps yelling?

While all caps can be used as an alternative to rich-text bolding for a single word or phrase, to express emphasis, repeated use of all caps can be considered shouting or irritating.