People First Language/Politically Correct Language

People First Language
The correct name of this diagnosis is Down syndrome. There is no apostrophe (Down). The "s" in syndrome is not capitalized (syndrome).

It is important to use the correct terminology. A person "has" Down syndrome, rather than "suffers from," "is a victim of," "is diseased with" or "afflicted by."

Basic Guidelines:
1. Put people first, not their disability
- A "person with a disability", not a "disabled person"
- A "child with "Down syndrome", not an "Down's child"
2. Use emotionally neutral expressions
- A person "with" Down syndrome, not "afflicted with" Down syndrome
- A person "has" Down syndrome, not "suffers from" Down syndrome
3. Emphasize abilities, not limitations
- A child "receives special education services", not "in special ed"
4. Adopt preferred language
- A "cognitive disability" or "intellectual disability" is preferred over "mentally retarded"
- "Typically developing" or "typical" is preferred over "normal"