Language has always mirrored the connection between emotional pain and physical kind. There is a lot of hate speech towards people with Down syndrome, and the public keep using it without knowing it spreads hatred, violence and discrimination towards people with Down syndrome.
Following are the examples of hurtful words :
1. Disease
Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease. It is a condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome, which is a chromosome. And this extra chromosome influences the baby’s body and brain development and affects them mentally and physically.
It is hurtful to say “disease” because they are born with this condition, and if the word “disease” was used, it might make them feel inferior when compared to other “healthy” children.
Therefore, alternative words like “condition” and “syndrome” are advisable. These words are more neutral and do not imply they are incapable of many things due to their condition.
2. Cure
There is no cure for Down syndrome, and it is a lifelong condition. Management of Down syndrome (DS) requires an organized approach and early intervention to evaluate and monitor their condition. For example, monitor their associated disorder using a standardized growth chart and ophthalmologic and hearing assessment for early screening.
The word “cure” may hurt parents with Down’s syndrome children. This gives them unnecessary hope but maybe eventually breaks their heart. Most parents need time to accept the truth about their children having Down syndrome. It is already a very challenging task for parents to face the facts and take care of a child with Down syndrome. Using “cure” may make the parents feel mentally tired because they may keep questioning themselves if they have done anything wrong to cause this condition to happen to their children.
Alternative words and phrases like “management” and “improve their condition” are more suitable when people around the parents want to discuss their children with Down syndrome. Ask more about the parent’s feelings, and being compassionate will give them the strength to keep going on this meaningful journey.
Individuals with/who have Down syndrome
Tip you can consider talking about people with Down syndrome to the extent you need to bring up the condition at all.
Individuals who happen to have Down syndrome
3. Idiots / Morons / Imbeciles / Stupid
“Idiots”, “Morons”, “imbeciles”, and “stupid” are depressing words to people with Down syndrome. Due to their condition, it is challenging for them to develop their skill, typically like other people. But, it does not mean they cannot possess the skill or should lose the opportunity to feel the world.
They are just like other people, possess emotions, feel happy and sad and love, and have a sense of achievement when they learn new things.
People around them should be compassionate to their condition, they may be delayed in learning new things, but they will surprise you in the end.
4. Mongoloid/Mongolism
In the past, the words “mongoloid” and “mongolism” were frequently used to describe the dysmorphic features of people with Down syndrome in the medical field. To remove the public’s first impression of people with Down syndrome, the medical society has removed this term for a long time. But sadly, people still use them to describe their condition.
Those words are inappropriate because nobody should make fun of anybody’s exterior looks. And people with Down syndrome, just like other people, are all unique and possess different looks. This is because they still inherit their looks from their parents. However, they have Down syndrome, the characteristic dysmorphic features of Down syndrome are only presented in 47-82% of cases, so they looked literally different from each other.
People around them who love them should focus on their personality rather than keep focusing on their looks. They all have interesting souls, and making friends with them is as fun as making friends with other people.
5. Retarded
It is very discriminatory language towards an entire group of people with Down syndrome. Although it is a common word in daily lives, it is disrespectful and spreads hurt.
Words of “retarded” ignore the individuality of people with Down syndrome, and it will be defined or inappropriately categorize them.
Many people with Down syndrome possess their talents, and they may have done even better in certain aspects. For example, Yue Xiang is a famous martial art talent in China.
Therefore, encouraging children with Down syndrome lets them be a part of a group and try whatever they want to try. Because they won’t know they are gifted with particular talent without trying.
Conclusion
Those hurtful words should be stopped to avoid any harmful and negative labels on people with Down syndrome. If people do not know if their comments are offensive or not, it is always good to slow down and pause and observe people with Down syndrome’s facial expressions and emotions. Those little clues will help you to have more mutual communication with them.