Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects one in every 700 babies born in the United States. It is a condition that causes developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. But, when it comes to the name of this disorder, many people are unsure whether it is called Down Syndrome or Down's Syndrome.
History of the Name
The condition was first described in 1866 by John Langdon Down, a British physician. He referred to the condition as "Mongolism" because he believed that the features of people with the condition resembled those of the Mongolian race. However, this term is now considered offensive and is no longer used.
Proper Terminology
The proper terminology for the condition is Down Syndrome. This is because it was named after John Langdon Down, who was the first person to describe the condition. The use of the possessive "Down's" is incorrect and is not recognized by most medical professionals.
Confusion with Other Disorders
One reason why people may be confused about the name is that there are other disorders that use the possessive form in their name, such as Tourette's Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. However, these conditions were named after the physicians who first described them, and the use of the possessive is considered appropriate in these cases.
Global Usage
The use of the term Down Syndrome is widely accepted in most countries around the world. However, in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, the use of the possessive form is still common. This is because the condition was first described by John Langdon Down, who was British.
Impact of Language
While the use of the term Down Syndrome may seem like a small matter, it can have a significant impact on how people with the condition are perceived. The use of the possessive form can suggest that the condition belongs to the individual, rather than being a genetic disorder that is beyond their control.
Person-First Language
One way to avoid this issue is to use person-first language when referring to people with Down Syndrome. This means putting the person before the condition, such as "a person with Down Syndrome" rather than "a Down Syndrome person." This helps to emphasize that the person is more than their condition and should not be defined by it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proper terminology for the condition is Down Syndrome, not Down's Syndrome. While some countries may still use the possessive form, it is not recognized by most medical professionals. It is important to use language that emphasizes the person first and avoids defining them by their condition.
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