{"id":64,"date":"2022-03-23T00:52:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-23T00:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/busting-the-myths-about-downs-syndrome\/"},"modified":"2023-02-24T20:46:43","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T12:46:43","slug":"busting-the-myths-about-downs-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/busting-the-myths-about-downs-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Busting the Myths About Down\u2019s Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Li-Hsian CHOO<\/h4>\n

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When I was asked by Project Haans to write a piece about myths related to Down\u2019s syndrome in conjunction with<\/span> World Down Syndrome Day<\/span><\/a> celebrations on the 21st of March, lines from the <\/span>Serenity Prayer<\/em><\/strong> popped into my mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

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This is because one of the most important lessons I have learned as a parent to a child with Down\u2019s syndrome is to have the \u201cserenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Many times, we encounter people, even other parents of children with Down\u2019s syndrome or other genetic disabilities, who talk about finding a \u201ccure\u201d for the child\u2019s condition. I find this viewpoint somewhat harmful as it refers to the condition as something which will \u201cgo away\u201d. It is important to not<\/em> be in denial. We need to fully understand the facts, symptoms, and parameters surrounding the condition. This is so that we can eventually come to accept the things that we cannot change. Only then can we move forward with courage to perhaps push the envelope a little to change the things we can<\/em> change<\/em> to help the child optimise their given potential.<\/p>\n

Based on this particular perspective and my personal experience, I have selected 5 related myths to highlight and bust <\/em>about Down\u2019s syndrome.<\/p>\n

Myth #1: All People with Down\u2019s Syndrome have Severe Cognitive Disability, They Cannot Learn<\/strong><\/h4>\n


\n<\/strong>The truth is that people with Down\u2019s syndrome do have mild to moderate cognitive disability, or intellectual disability. However, this is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. People with Down\u2019s syndrome can learn but as they are known to be more visual learners who may find it hard to grasp abstract concepts, they may learn differently and require learning adaptations. So, be considerate as they may need extra time and some support to get things done or said. They may need a given task to be adapted or broken down to help them understand and complete it better.<\/p>\n

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Myth #2: Segregated Special Education Programmes are the Only Option for Students with Down\u2019s Syndrome<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Isha, Li-Hsian\u2019s daughter attends an inclusive school in Malaysia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

According to the<\/span> National Down Syndrome Society<\/span><\/a> (\u201cNDSS\u201d) in the United States (\u201cUS\u201d), many students with Down\u2019s syndrome are included in typical academic classrooms in mainstream schools. The current trend in education is for full inclusion in social and educational settings. Sometimes students with Down\u2019s Syndrome are included in specific courses or classes, while in other situations students are fully included in the typical classroom for all subjects. Increasingly, individuals with Down\u2019s syndrome graduate from high school with diplomas, and even participate in post-secondary academic and college programmes.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

It is very beneficial for individuals with Down\u2019s syndrome who can cope, to learn or work in inclusive environments. I have written about my daughter Isha\u2019s inclusive education experience here<\/span><\/a>. I strongly believe that inclusion and inclusive education benefit all children, not only those with special needs. Inclusion is actually the theme for this year\u2019s World Down Syndrome Day celebrations \u2013 you can find out more and participate in the meaningful #inclusionmeans campaign here<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Myth #3: Down\u2019s Syndrome is similar to Autism Spectrum Disorder (\u201cASD\u201d) as Individuals with Down\u2019s Syndrome Can Be Categorised Across a Spectrum<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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The truth is that it is not similar to ASD as there is no \u201cmild\u201d Down\u2019s syndrome or \u201csevere\u201d Down\u2019s syndrome. Down\u2019s Syndrome is a genetic condition. The NDSS explains it well: In every cell in the human body there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. In short, they have 3 copies of chromosome 21 (this explains why World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on the 21st of March every year). This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down\u2019s syndrome. A few of the common physical traits of Down\u2019s syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the centre of the palm \u2013 although each person with Down\u2019s syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all.<\/p>\n

Whilst we do not <\/em>have a spectrum relating to the condition, we do<\/em> have a kind of \u201cspectrum of health\u201d for children with Down\u2019s syndrome. Children with the syndrome have a wide variety of health outcomes depending on how they are affected by certain medical issues that are commonly associated with the syndrome. Aside from the traits mentioned earlier, some children with Down\u2019s syndrome might have congenital heart conditions (with some needing major heart surgery), hearing problems (due to their ear structures), short-sightedness and sensory issues. These health outcomes affect their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development in direct and indirect ways. For example, a child with a severe congenital heart condition who may need a series of surgeries may also experience developmental delays as they spend a lot of time in hospitals for treatment and recovery. So, they end up missing school and other learning opportunities. A child with hearing issues may have speech and also learning delays as they may not be able to access classroom lessons in an optimal way. A child with sensory issues may not eat well, and be exposed to nutritional deficiencies that affect their physical growth.<\/p>\n


\nMyth #4: People with Down\u2019s Syndrome have Stereotypical Personality Traits e.g. They are Always Happy, Very Stubborn, Difficult to Manage etc.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Again, the NDSS puts it very well when they say that people with Down\u2019s syndrome have feelings just like anyone else. They experience the full range of emotions. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behaviour. Based on my own experience with Isha, sometimes certain personality traits and behaviour that are displayed are due to certain feelings they experience or their misunderstanding of certain things or situations. They are simply attempting to understand how the real world works and how regular people interact. For example, my daughter typically approaches her daily homework or drills she has to do in a dogged, determined and independent manner as innately, she may feel that completing these tasks makes her a \u201cgood student\u201d who delivers all the tasks that her teacher asks, and makes her feel like \u201ceveryone else\u201d in her mainstream classroom. She does not like to be distracted or to receive a lot of help. This can be misconstrued or labelled as \u201cstubborn\u201d behaviour when in fact it can be a good trait if viewed, managed and harnessed positively. So, we try to encourage her good homework ethic but at the same time, help her to learn how to receive help positively when she needs it. Sometimes, she can throw tantrums and become cranky when doing a task. We try to remind ourselves that is not because she wants to be difficult or is hard to manage, but more because she is frustrated at not being able to complete the task well in the way she wants and independently, perhaps due to problems with her fine motor skills or cognitive limitations. So, it is important to look beyond the sometimes undesirable behaviour to find out the real reason why it is being displayed, and to support the child or individual with appropriate adaptations or scaffolding so they can succeed.<\/p>\n


\nMyth #5: People with Down\u2019s Syndrome Cannot be Active Members of their Community and Contributing Members of Society, They Are Not Employable<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The truth is that people with Down\u2019s syndrome are active participants in educational, social and recreational activities in Malaysia and around the world. Many of them are included in the mainstream education system and take part in sports, music, art programmes and various other activities in the community. My Isha enjoys playing the piano and violin. She is learning to dance Bharatanatyam and has participated in several public dance performances. She swims and likes to hike at the forest hill reserve near our home. She also has rich friendships with other children that are not grounded on charity but genuine respect and affection. People with Down\u2019s syndrome are valued members of their families and communities, and make meaningful contributions to society.<\/p>\n

Businesses do employ adults with Down\u2019s syndrome for a variety of positions \u2013 in banks, corporations, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, offices and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, childcare, the sports field and the computer industry, to name a few. Like anybody else, people with Down\u2019s syndrome want to have a job where their work will be valued and an income so they can lead meaningful, independent lives. They just need someone to believe in them and to offer them an opportunity. I love this video on \u201cThe Hiring Chain\u201d that was done last year by CoorDown<\/span><\/a>, an organisation that aims to activate social communication actions to raise awareness of the potential of people with Down\u2019s syndrome;\u00a0 promote their inclusion in school, work and sport; share experiences between individual associations; identify and implement common strategies with regard to shared policy issues.<\/p>\n

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Often, the developmental barriers that children with Down\u2019s syndrome and other differently-abled children face may not always be directly due to their diagnosis or related conditions. Rather, they are a result of the closed minds and discriminatory practices in general society. Thus, we need to work together\u00a0 to actively cultivate more inclusive environments and mindsets so that there is not only a greater awareness of diversity – whether physical, racial, cultural, gender and neuro-diversity – but also a deep appreciation of it.<\/p>\n

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Li-Hsian <\/strong>is from Malaysia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Li-Hsian is a mum to a pair of twins, a beautiful girl, Isha who has Down’s Syndrome and a handsome boy, Akash who is neurotypical. She left her job in PR and Communications to fully commit as a mum to her children. Her true passion is writing, where she’s authored children’s books and continues to contribute articles to various news and online portals. She is also an active inclusive education advocate and speaks at events \/ forums on this topic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When I was asked by Project Haans to write a piece about myths related to Down\u2019s syndrome in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day celebrations on the 21st of March, lines from the Serenity Prayer popped into my mind. This is because one of the most important lessons I have learned as a parent to a child with Down\u2019s syndrome is to have the \u201cserenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":65,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[78,3,4,10,5],"tags":[25,56,12,16,51,58,64],"class_list":["post-64","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-downs-syndrome","category-education","category-news","category-parents","category-special-needs","tag-advocacy","tag-downs-syndrome","tag-inclusion","tag-misconceptions","tag-parent-initiatives","tag-stigma","tag-support"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":5}},"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BustingtheMythsAboutDownsSyndrome.jpeg",1280,960,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BustingtheMythsAboutDownsSyndrome-150x150.jpeg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BustingtheMythsAboutDownsSyndrome-300x225.jpeg",300,225,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BustingtheMythsAboutDownsSyndrome-768x576.jpeg",768,576,true],"large":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BustingtheMythsAboutDownsSyndrome-1024x768.jpeg",1024,768,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BustingtheMythsAboutDownsSyndrome.jpeg",1280,960,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BustingtheMythsAboutDownsSyndrome.jpeg",1280,960,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BustingtheMythsAboutDownsSyndrome.jpeg",16,12,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable":"

When I was asked by Project Haans to write a piece about myths related to Down\u2019s syndrome in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day celebrations on the 21st of March, lines from the Serenity Prayer popped into my mind. This is because one of the most important lessons I have learned as a parent to a child with Down\u2019s syndrome is to have the \u201cserenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n","category_list":"Down's Syndrome<\/a>, Education<\/a>, News<\/a>, Parents<\/a>, Special Needs<\/a>","author_info":{"name":"Desiree Kaur","url":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/author\/nevyr-haans\/"},"comments_num":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1127,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64\/revisions\/1127"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}