MEDIA BRIEFING
Down syndrome terminology
Down syndrome
Down syndrome (rather than Down's syndrome) is now the accepted
form throughout the majority of English speaking countries worldwide.
People first
People with Down syndrome are people first. Please refer to "children with
Down syndrome" or "a person with Down syndrome" and not to "Down's
children" or even worse "a Downs". Labels really do affect how we
think, feel and behave towards people with disabilities.
Not sufferers
Please do not describe anyone as "suffering" from Down syndrome. This
is offensive to those who live with Down syndrome. Most individuals with Down syndrome
are happy, healthy and enjoying their lives. Having Down syndrome may impose some
limits on development and life opportunities, which is a cause of sadness for individuals
with Down syndrome and their loved ones when they reflect on it. Most of the time
life goes on with the daily joys and stresses, just like everyone else.
Further information
For further information about the work of Down Syndrome Education International, please
refer to our web site:
Press contacts
email press@downsed.org
tel +44 (0)23 9285 5339
fax +44 (0)23 9285 5320