What is Down syndrome, and what words should I use?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21, which can affect how the body and mind develop.Say “a person with Down syndrome,” not “a Down’s kid.” People have Down syndrome; they don’t “suffer from” it. Every person with Down syndrome is different, and like anyone, they want to be treated as neighbors first.
1 · MindWhat it is
Chromosomes are tiny packages of genes in every cell that guide how the body forms and works. Most people have two copies of chromosome 21. People with Down syndrome have one extra. The CDC says about 5,775 babies are born with Down syndrome in the U.S. each year.
The extra chromosome can affect physical and mental development. Some people with Down syndrome have heart problems from birth, hearing loss or sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep). Like anyone, every person with Down syndrome is different, with their own personality, strengths and goals.
Words that respect. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) recommends:
- Put the person first. “A child with Down syndrome,” not “a Down syndrome child.”
- Say “Down syndrome,” not “Down’s syndrome,” and never “a Down’s” or “a Downs.”
- Say they “have” it. Not “suffers from” or “afflicted by.” It’s a condition, not a disease.
- Say “intellectual and developmental disability,” not “mental retardation.” NDSS strongly condemns the r-word used as an insult.
- Say “typical” or “typically developing,” not “normal,” when comparing.
- Name the specific need instead of the vague phrase “special needs.”
What each tradition or community says
Many people with Down syndrome speak up for themselves about wanting jobs, friendships, independence and respect. They often say they want to be seen for who they are, not for their diagnosis.
Many parents say the words people use, especially at the start, shape how the world treats their child. They often describe being asked “What’s wrong with him?” and wishing people had just said hello to their kid.
Groups like NDSS and the National Association for Down Syndrome promote person-first language and respect for people with Down syndrome as full members of their communities.
2 · HeartWhat it feels like
For a person with Down syndrome, being talked about instead of talked to, or being called a slur as a joke, hurts like it would hurt anyone. Many have heard the r-word their whole lives.
For the neighbor, it’s normal to worry about saying the wrong thing. You don’t need perfect words. Talking to the person directly, with the same respect you’d give anyone, is the main thing.
Talk to the person in front of you. That’s the first and best rule.Neighbor Radio
3 · HandsHow to be a good neighbor
Talk to them, not around them. Say hello and speak directly to your neighbor with Down syndrome, not just to their parent or companion. Use a normal, respectful tone.
Don’t use baby talk. Teens and adults with Down syndrome are teens and adults. Match how you’d talk to anyone their age.
Include them. Invite them to the block party, the yard sale, the holiday open house. Ask what they like to do.
Speak up about the r-word. If someone uses it as an insult, a calm “Hey, that word hurts people” can change a lot.
Ask, don’t assume. If you’re not sure what someone needs, ask them or their family what helps.
This weekNotice whether you’ve ever said “a Down’s kid” or “special needs.” Try the NDSS wording instead this week.
Four questions to take with you
From the story of the Good Samaritan, the stranger who stopped to help. We call it the Good Neighbor Test.
- Did they see? Or look right past?
- Did they stop? Even when it was inconvenient?
- Did it cost them? Time, money, comfort, reputation?
- Did they treat the person like a person? Not like a label?
Try it on: a label someone once put on you. How did it change the way people treated you?
Quick questions
Is it Down’s syndrome or Down syndrome?
In the U.S., NDSS prefers “Down syndrome,” with no apostrophe and no “s.”
Is it OK to say “special needs”?
NDSS suggests avoiding it. Name the specific disability or need instead.
Is Down syndrome a disease?
No. It’s a genetic condition, not an illness. People have Down syndrome; they don’t “suffer from” it.
What should I say instead of “normal”?
Say “typical” or “typically developing” when you need to compare.
- CDC: About Down Syndrome
- National Down Syndrome Society: Preferred Language
- National Association for Down Syndrome: People First Language
- Special Olympics: Spread the Word
Fact-checked October 13, 2026 against National Down Syndrome Society, CDC and National Association for Down Syndrome. Written in plain words by the Neighbor Radio team. Every fact is checked against what each community says about itself, in its own official sources, plus a neutral reference. Part of this community and something doesn't sound like you, or spot a mistake? Tell us. We read every note and fix mistakes.
There’s no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are.
