Down Autism Down Syndrome and Autism Are Essay

Down Autism

Down Syndrome and autism are two conditions that can affect the lives of people, including their ability to learn and to participate in society. Moreover, Down Syndrome and autism 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 Down Syndrome.

Autism is completely different from Down Syndrome, although both the 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 ten times in the past forty years, partly due to improved diagnostic procedures, but also due to actual increased 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 the condition, the diverse manifestations of autism, and how it impacts the lives of people.Down Syndrome in many ways impacts the lives of other people as much if not more than the individual with Down Syndrome. 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. Physical symptoms of Down Syndrome include associated health risks, such as the 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 Down Syndrome individuals are characteristic, and are accompanied by other features such as 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. Therefore, persons with Down Syndrome might get teased, bullied, or harassed by peers. Employers might not realize that many people with Down Syndrome are able to be highly functional, and thus assume that a person with Down Syndrome cannot perform tasks. It is important to understand there is diversity within the community of people with Down….....