This paper provides an overview of two prevalent developmental conditions: Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It examines the defining characteristics of each condition, including physical and psychological symptoms of Down syndrome and the diverse manifestations of autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS. The paper discusses how each condition affects learning, social interaction, and daily functioning, while emphasizing that both populations are diverse—many individuals with either condition are highly functional. The paper concludes by advocating for greater societal compassion, integration, and individualized support to reduce stigma and improve quality of life for those affected.
Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder are two conditions that can profoundly affect the lives of people, including their ability to learn and to participate in society. Both conditions also affect how a person is perceived by others. Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition in the United States, affecting one in every 691 births (National Down Syndrome Society, 2013). It is also the most common cause of learning disabilities in children (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Therefore, it is important to understand what Down syndrome is in order to reduce discrimination against persons with the condition.
Autism is completely different from Down syndrome, although both conditions can result in learning disabilities in children. Autism and autism spectrum disorders are related to abnormal brain development (Autism Speaks, 2013). The rates of autism have increased tenfold in the past forty years, partly due to improved diagnostic procedures, but also due to an actual increase in the prevalence of the condition (Autism Speaks, 2013). About one in every 88 children in the United States is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and the majority of children with autism are male (Autism Speaks, 2013). Because of the high prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States, it is critical to understand the nature of these conditions, their diverse manifestations, and how they impact the lives of individuals.
Down syndrome in many ways impacts the lives of others as much as, if not more than, the individual with the condition. Persons with Down syndrome require special care and attention, as do people with autism. Down syndrome is associated with a number of physical and psychological symptoms that can influence every aspect of a person's daily life and social experience.
Physical symptoms of Down syndrome include associated health risks, such as an elevated risk for heart disease. Young children with Down syndrome develop more slowly than their peers, both physically and mentally. Down syndrome causes poor muscle tone and excessive flexibility, a single crease in the palms of the hands, and short fingers (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). The flattened facial features of individuals with Down syndrome are characteristic and are accompanied by other features such as a small head, short neck, and a protruding tongue (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.).
These physical features draw attention and can cause discrimination against persons with Down syndrome. As a result, individuals with Down syndrome may be teased, bullied, or harassed by peers. Employers might not realize that many people with Down syndrome are capable of being highly functional and may incorrectly assume that a person with Down syndrome cannot perform certain tasks. It is important to recognize that there is considerable diversity within the community of people with Down syndrome, and many individuals do demonstrate a high level of functioning. Various therapies and interventions have enabled Down syndrome symptoms to be minimized over time.
The community of people with autism is also diverse. There are several manifestations of autism, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome (Autism Speaks, 2013). Several of these autism spectrum disorders may be classified as severe, with serious manifestations of symptoms that impair the individual's ability to function in society. However, many autism spectrum disorders are mild and do not significantly impair an individual's ability to function. As a result, many students in a school may have a type of autism spectrum disorder without any of their peers being aware of it. Some people with autism also have a "savant" area of specialization in which they excel — particularly in fields such as art, mathematics, or music (Autism Speaks, 2013).
"Communication barriers and social isolation in autism"
"Advocacy for integration and individualized support"
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