Mentally Handicapped Children and Down Syndrome. Difference?

Question

my sister has down syndrome(i think its wat its called) and i read in an artical about Mentally Handicapped Children being kept in cages in europe. is there a difference between them? please tell me the syptoms of both. its important for a paper im writing

Answer 1

the term mentally handicapped covers all that have an IQ level under 69. Down Syndrome are quite often highest on the level of developmentally delayed. There are lots of DS that live on there own and work in the community and have great lives.
If your sister has been diagnosed with DS you would know that, seems hard to believe that you wouldn't. It is a shame how developmentally disabled are labelled and if you had a family member you would be making sure labels were removed.
They do not keep them in cages in europe anymore than they do here Years ago mentally ill were kept in horrifing conditions and still today some of this is horrifing. Some are sold for their organs in 3rd world countries. And here in north america we still have a long long way to go to help intergrate them into a safe and healthy community. The difference between them is hard to say because mental illness includes many different diseases. The symptoms for downs is no simean crease on the hand. short stubby fingers, facial features. They tend to be short and can run into heart problems. Many live very long lives then they ever have. I look after 1 lady that is now in her 60's and doctors didn't think she would live past 20. Downs are usually very friendly which subjects them to abuse. They are not usually agressive but can get frustrated like everyone.
Good luck with your paper. I could go on and on I work in this field but there are so many different individual levels that it would be to hard to explain them all.

Answer 2

Mentally handicapped is a term that covers any mentally retarded person - that is, any person with a measured IQ of less than 70.

Down's Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder. People with DS are born with an extra chromosome which results in mental retardation in varying degrees from quite mild to quite severe and the "oriental" appearance that is common to people with DS, as well as various health issues (such as congenital heart defects).

People with Down's Syndrome are mentally handicapped, but all mentally handicapped people do NOT have Down's Syndrome.

Answer 3

Down's Syndrome is just one type of mental handicap.

Cages for people with handicaps is inhumane and I would like to think doesn't and hope happen too much anymore.

Your sister can grow up to lead a fairly normal life, depending on severity, plus things can be healed a great deal through nutrition. Search, read, there are answers :-)

Answer 4

The phrase "Mentally Handicapped," is broad. Within that category are people who have Down Syndrome, along with several other people who suffer from other types of mental handicaps. Down Syndrome is only one type of a mental handicap.

Answer 5

I dont have a baby with down syndrome, but a baby is a blessing. I do want to let you know tho, that there is a possibility that the test could be wrong. Ive heard of at least 3 cases, so dont be suprised if your baby DOESNT have down syndrome. Just to let you know.

Answer 6

sweetie if this is for a paper you are writing your topic is too broad you need to narrow it down a bit. because there are so many varying degrees and even with down syndrome where there is always some sort of developmental delay the degree to which a child with DS has it varies, and they have yet to establish any guidelines for the different levels of development in kids with DS. "gems" and "j3nny" gave you alot of good information. and if you have any specific questions you want to ask, please feel free to email me. I am a mom to a little boy with down syndrome and I might be able to help you out. good luck on your paper!