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Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society

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Communicating about individuals with Down syndrome with both positive and accurate language is important in education and advocacy. So often, family and friends do not know what to say, and it is often difficult for parents to confront someone who has hurt them with their words and labels. Knowledge is key, so this simple guide is meant to help others speak in ways that are more politically correct, avoiding hurtful and offensive language.

Is reading this really important? Yes! Using appropriate language when referring to Down syndrome is important. We want to do the best for our children, so using this guide can help us avoid choosing words that can be hurtful or offensive. If you don’t understand a term or are unsure of how to refer to something, simply ask.

 

Good Word Choices

Baby/Child/Person with Down syndrome. The emphasis should always be on the person first, not the disability. This is referred to as “first person” language. When we take care to put children first and let the disability remain in the background, we are teaching others to do the same.

Developmentally Delayed. This term is the common reference to describe delays in development and the learning process such as speaking and walking. Most families find it less offensive than the term mentally retarded.

Has Down syndrome. Someone who has Down syndrome has Down syndrome. S/he is not a victim of it, nor is s/he diseased by or afflicted with it. One does not suffer from it.

Mental Retardation. This is an accurate term to describe developmental functioning level, but is less acceptable to many parents than the term developmentally delayed. Use it with caution.

Typically developing/Non-disabled child. Both of these terms are acceptable and positive ways to refer to people who do not have Down syndrome or another disability.

 

Poor Word Choices

A Down(s). A person with Down syndrome is not the disability. There are many other things that should and do define a person. It is dehumanizing and strips people of dignity when they are referred to as their disability. Instead of saying “He is a Down’s baby” or “She is a Downs”, try “S/he has Down syndrome.”

Down syndrome child/baby. This goes back to referring to the person first, not the disability. This is one of the most common misstatements made and often causes parents to cringe, at least inwardly. For example, we don’t say a “diabetes child,” or an “asthma person,” so eliminating this reference is critical.

Normal kids. Please realize that we perceive our children as being pretty normal kids. Comparing them to normal children implies that a child with Down syndrome is something less than normal.

Retard/Retarded. Currently, the best reference is developmentally delayed (for children) and developmentally disabled (for adults).

Mongolism. This is an extremely outdated term that was once used to refer to people with Down syndrome. The word should never be used when referring to or about someone with Down syndrome.