Down Syndrome Resources
Important to Know
Facts About Down Syndrome
Down syndrome occurs when an individual is born with a full or partial extra copy of the 21st chromosome
Approximately 1 in 700 babies bare born with Down syndrome
Down syndrome is name for the English physician, John Langdon Down, who discovered the condition but did not have it.
Down syndrome is a condition or syndrome — Not a disease!
Inclusion Reminders:
People with Down syndrome, or any other neurodivergent condition, should always be referred to using person-first language. For example, you can say: “Jayne has Down syndrome”, rather than, “Jayne is Downs”
Words such as “Intellectual Disability” and “cognitive disability” replace the term “mental retardation.” (The word “retarded” – used in any way – is especially hurtful!)
The best way to treat an individual with Down syndrome, or any other neurodivergent condition, is the way you like to be treated!
Inclusion is seeing someone for who they are and not as a diagnosis. It is giving them the opportunity to try. Do not assume you know what they are or are not capable of or what they can or cannot do!