PREFERRED LANGUAGE GUIDE


The National Down Syndrome Society recommends the use of this language when referring to Down syndrome and people who have Down syndrome:


People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as PEOPLE first.


TYPICALLY DEVELOPING or TYPICAL is preferred over “normal.”


Down


syndrome is a CONDITION or a SYNDROME, not a disease.


Instead of "a Down syndrome child," it should be A CHILD WITH DOWN SYNDROME. Also avoid "Down's child" and describing the condition as "Down's," as in, "He has Down's.”


NDSS strongly condemns the use of the word "retarded" in any


derogatory context. Using this word is hurtful and suggests that people with disabilities are not competent.


INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY or


COGNITIVE DISABILITY has replaced “mental retardation” as the appropriate term.


6 ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY


People HAVE Down syndrome, they do not "suffer from" it and are not "afflicted by" it.


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