Myths and Truths about Down Syndrome

Myths & Truths about Down Syndrome

For individuals with Down syndrome, success in the community and workplace as adults requires the opportunity to continue to grow and learn in the classroom along with those who will later be their coworkers and neighbors. Thus, it is important to dispel the myths associated with Down syndrome and recognize that their social, emotional and educational needs are mostly the same as those of other children.

MYTH: PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME HAVE SEVERE MENTAL RETARDATION.

Standard IQ tests will score students with Down syndrome in the mild to moderate range of mental retardation. However, these tests do not measure many important areas of intelligence, and you will often be surprised by their memory, insight, creativity and cleverness. The high rates of learning disabilities in students with Down syndrome often mask an array of abilities and talents. Educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome. See www.craigblackburn.org for a shining example of a young adult with Down syndrome who graduated high school with a regular diploma and now travels around the country as a self advocate! Jason Kingsley, one of the authors of Count Us In, also graduated with a regular diploma and passed all his New York State Regents Competency exams.

MYTH: ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME ARE UNEMPLOYABLE.

Businesses are seeking young adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are being employed in small and medium sized offices, by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, and in the computer industry. People with Down syndrome bring to their jobs enthusiasm, reliability and dedication.

MYTH: PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME ARE ALWAYS HAPPY.

People with Down syndrome have feelings just like everyone else in the population. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behaviour.

MYTH: ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME ARE UNABLE TO FORM CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS LEADING TO MARRIAGE.
People with Down syndrome date, socialize, and form ongoing relationships. Some are beginning to marry.

MYTH: INDIVIDUALS WITH DOWN SYNDROME ARE STUBBORN.

A student with Down syndrome may not be able to tell you how she feels. This can lead to the false perception that she is ―stubborn.‖ Behavior is communication. Consider all of the circumstances. Is your student experiencing sensory or communication difficulties?

MYTH: BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AND DEPRESSION ARE JUST PART OF HAVING DOWN SYNDROME.

Often, medical or mental health problems go untreated due to the assumption that it is typical of this genetic condition. Complete examinations by appropriate health care professionals should always be pursued.

MYTH: CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME “PLATEAU.”

Learning is a lifelong experience for people with Down syndrome, just like everyone. Individuals with Down syndrome learn at a slower pace but nonetheless, continue to learn.

MYTH: THERE ARE NO EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS FOR DOWN SYNDROME.

Research on Down syndrome is making great strides in identifying the genes on chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Scientists now feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future. Particularly encouraging is the recent establishment of the Stanford Center for Research and Treatment of Down Syndrome, whose mission is to conduct research and develop treatments related to the cognitive disabilities related to Down syndrome.

MYTH: CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME WILL NEVER GROW UP TO BE INDEPENDENT.

Parents and society are coming to understand the aspirations of persons with Down syndrome to participate in all aspects of community life: education, recreation, employment, social and family life.

MYTH: HAVING A SIBLING WITH DOWN SYNDROME WILL BE A HARDSHIP FOR YOUR “TYPICAL” CHILDREN.
Most families report that their ―typical‖ kids are more compassionate, patient and tolerant of all people because of the experience of having a sibling with Down syndrome. The sibling relationship is generally a typical one — full of love, occasional arguments and just being together.

References

& ―Down Syndrome Myths and Truths.‖ National Down Syndrome Society. http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=23&id=58&ltemid=234 (accessed October 10, 2007)