Trisomy 21:

Trisomy 21 is by far the most common type of Down Syndrome (95%) and means that instead of two 21st chromosomes, a baby was born with three 21st chromosomes, thus causing them to have Down Syndrome. This chromosome division occurs immediately at conception, and the extra chromosome is found in all of the cells. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

 

Mosaicism:

This is the least common form of Down Syndrome (1-2%) Chromosomes divide unevenly, but not until the second or third cell division after conception, meaning only some of the cells have the extra chromosome.

 

Translocation:

In translocation, a part of the 21st chromosome has broken off and attached itself to another chromosome, providing extra genetic material in all of a person’s cells. Only 2-3% of babies with Down Syndrome have translocation.

 

   A Language Primer

 

GOOD WORDS TO USE:

 

Baby/Child/Person with Down syndrome:

Emphasis should always be on the person first, not

the disability. When we take care to put children first,

and let the disability remain in the background, we

are teaching others where the emphasis needs to be

 

Developmentally Delayed:

This term is the common reference to describe delays

in development, such as language, walking and all

other areas of a child’s learning process. Most families

find it less offensive than the term mentally retarded.

 

Has Down Syndrome:

Someone who has Down Syndrome is not a victim of,

diseased by, nor do they suffer from or are they

afflicted with Down Syndrome They simply have

Down Syndrome.

 

Mental Retardation:

This is an accurate term to describe developmental

functioning level, but is less acceptable to many

parents than the term “developmentally delayed.”

Please 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.

 

PLEASE DON'T SAY.....

A Down(s)

A person with Down Syndrome is not the disability. There are many other things that should, and do, define that person. It is dehumanizing and strips people of their dignity to be referred to as a disability.

Instead of saying “He is a Down” or “She is Downs,” try “He or she has Down Syndrome.”

 

The Bottom line?

If you do not understand a term or are uncertain about how to refer to something, please ask!