Isn't It About Time We Stop Fearing Down Syndrome
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Isn't It About Time We Stop Fearing Down Syndrome

Hint: Yes, it is.

82
Isn't It About Time We Stop Fearing Down Syndrome
Pixabay.com

As the brother of a sister with Down syndrome, I am in no way unbiased when it comes to the topic of the titular condition.

Despite this, however, it also means that I have more experience than most within the same topic. I have lived with someone with Down syndrome for 18 years, and it has been an amazing and humbling experience.

There is an unfortunate stigma surrounding special needs. It instills fear in some, curiosity in others, some refuse to talk or even interact with people that have special needs, but that’s just it, they’re people, with a small condition that affects their mental ability.

I have experienced several moments where people looked at my sister with judging eyes, or they feel she’s strange and refused to talk or interact with her. This is the stigma I’m talking about, and it needs to stop.

People with Down syndrome, or autism, or any other various special needs conditions are no different than someone dealing with anxiety, or depression, or Alzheimer’s. It’s a condition, affecting a perfectly normal human being.

From my experience living 18 years alongside my sister, I have learned many things about people with Down syndrome, and scary is not one of their traits.

They are kind, curious, adventurous, loving, intelligent, and have more empathy than anyone I know. Their memories are impressive, more so than my own or anyone I know. She can recite the lines of any TV show she watches at least twice, knows the lyrics and tune of any song she hears.

One thing I’ve learned through watching my sister is she loves to feel normal. She loves to watch Disney Channel, hoping to just be like the normal girls in the TV shows. Why can’t we treat them like that? They are normal people just like anyone, wanting affection and love. They just ask for it in different ways. Often, people with Down syndrome love to hug, even complete strangers, it isn’t a bad thing.

My sister has had her fair share of difficult moments, but don’t we all? At the end of the day, she looks for the small things and no matter how hard her day has been, she just enjoys living. The world could end, and she would still look for the bright side, that’s just how she is, and that’s how most Down Syndrome people are.

I realize there is more to Down than just their mental capabilities, they look different too. The tongue sticking out is a signature trait of Downs, but it is an endearing one and nothing to be feared.

They sometimes can’t speak correctly, or at all for some, but again, they are people, there are plenty [of people] unaffected by Down syndrome that also have trouble speaking or hearing, and they too have just a condition, they are treated normal otherwise.

So, isn’t it about time we start treating people with Down syndrome and other mental disabilities with respect. Why don’t we stop the fear, halt the stigma that has grown around these people? The next time you come across a person with Down syndrome, why don’t you say hi, give them a handshake, just let them feel respected and appreciated.

They are people too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57413
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36994
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958735
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190778
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments