Down Syndrome: Equality for All

Those affected with Down syndrome face many problems in today’s society. Whether it is unfair judgment, discrimination, or misunderstandings, those with Down syndrome have been subjected to cruelty. However, over the years, there has been much progress towards acceptance and equality. Many people still do not understand Down syndrome, which is the main source of discrimination. Perhaps with more awareness in today’s society of what Down syndrome is and what those with Down syndrome can contribute to society, there will be a greater acceptance, understanding, and compassion sent out to those with this syndrome and their families. In order to promote an awareness regarding Down syndrome, this paper will serve as an explanation to what Down syndrome is, the problems those with Down syndrome face, and what is being done to prevent these issues. The fact is Down syndrome is a condition where an extra chromosome, making forty-seven in total, causes the child to develop at a slower pace both mentally and physically. People with Down syndrome usually have a flattened face, skewed eyes, small ears, and an overhang of the tongue (The Nemours Foundation). Hypotonia is also another characteristic of children with Down syndrome, making them have low muscle tone (The Nemours Foundation). This condition delays the time it takes for children crawl, sit up, and walk. A large number of children born with Downs have a congenital heart defect and are at higher risk of developing pulmonary hypertension (The Nemours Foundation). Unfortunately, there is not a way to prevent the extra chromosome from affecting a child and it could be likely for any pregnant woman, especially those who are thirty-five and over. Scientists are still uncertain how Down syndrome occurs, making it unpreventable to an expecting mother. John Langdon Down, a physician in 1856, first named the condition known as Down syndrome. Dr. Down called his patients “mongoloids” because he believed people with Down