Broaching What You Need to Discuss Copy
Video Transcript
Dr. Young
I have examined Craig, and he seems to have some of the physical characteristics of Down syndrome and I suspect that he may have this. I am not absolutely sure at this point, but want to do some chromosomal tests to be sure. (PAUSES). Have you heard of Down syndrome?
Mrs. Brown
Oh no, I can’t believe you are saying this. I don’t know much about Down syndrome, but I know that these children are retarded and may have other problems, too.
?Decision Point: How would you respond to Mrs. Brown?
A) Most children with Down syndrome have some level of mental retardation, though we cannot predict the level of mental retardation for individual children. Children with Down syndrome can learn, including a few basic academic skills.
Not a good choice, because it makes negative assumptions that we cannot always conclude for these children, and many of these children are able to learn more than just a few basic skills. And we don’t use the term ‘mental retardation” anymore, but rather “intellectual disability.”
B) Most children with Down syndrome have a moderate level of intellectual disability. That does not mean, however, that they cannot learn to care for themselves and perform simple jobs. These children are able to go to school and learn rudimentary academics.
Not a good choice. Even though many children with Down syndrome do have moderate intellectual disability, this choice makes negative assumptions that we cannot always conclude for these children, and some of these children go well beyond the minimal expectations set forth in this statement.
C) We don’t typically use the term “retarded” anymore. Children with Down syndrome, it is true, often achieve their milestones, like walking and talking, at a different or slower pace, but each child is unique. These children can live full lives, despite what you may have heard in the past.
Good response; children do learn at their own individual pace, and you have helped the mother see beyond the stereotypical expectations that we have of children with Down syndrome.