The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. There is no apostrophe

(Down). The “s” in syndrome is not capitalized (syndrome).

An individual with Down syndrome is an individual first and foremost. The

emphasis should be on the person, not the disability. A person with Down

syndrome has many other qualities and attributes that can be used to describe

them.

Encourage people to use people-first language. “The person with Down

syndrome”, not “the Down syndrome person.” A person with Down syndrome is

not “a Downs”.

Words can create barriers. Recognize that a child is “a child with Down

syndrome,” or that an adult is “an adult with Down syndrome.” Children with

Down syndrome grow into adults with Down syndrome; they do not remain

eternal children. Adults enjoy activities and companionship with other adults.

It is important to use the correct terminology. 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. Try

not to use the clichés that are so common when describing an individual with

Down syndrome. To assume all people have the same characteristics or abilities

is demeaning. Also, it reinforces the stereotype that “all people with Down

syndrome are the same.”