I think I could have down syndrome - how do I go about asking a doctor as I feel so embarassed?

Question

I think I may have down syndrome (I'm almost 26). I always struggled with school (help was required in some areas) I went on to do tertiary education and have a driving licence. I find it really difficult to talk to people about it (hence I have never mentioned the subject) how do I mention it to a doctor cos I am at the stage now where I just want to know if I am DS or not. . .

PS I don't really have friends - I doubt I would have confidence to ask the ones I have and have never had a boyfriend

Answer 1

If you had Down's Syndrome, you probably would have been diagnosed by now. I never heard of anybody being diagnosed with Down's Syndrome at the age of 26.

I doubt very much if you have it--you probably wouldn't have made it this far in school; although it does sound like you probably have a learning disorder. But it sure seems like you have compensated for it very well. I can't imagine someone with Down's Syndrome using words like "tertiary" and "hence."

You can ask a doctor; there's no reason to be embarrassed if you really want to know.

Answer 2

You don't have DS.

Your description of what you have done so far rules this out, both through content and style. (Who on earth says 'hence' these days??!!!! Oh. Yeah. I do too..!).

So something's wrong, though. Something is causing you a lot of distress. You sound as though you're thinking about getting some help around this. Probably engaging in talking with a psychological practitioner is going to be more helpful than a GP / Dr - limited consult time and expertise in this kind of stuff could make this first venture into getting your head around - ahem - your head - a bit disappointing and offputting.

If you decide to go for talk therapy or treatment, ask the person what kind of training they've had, whether they're registered with any professional boards. There are some great counsellors and some absolute charlatans, so make a considered decision about who you entrust with your struggle.

Good luck.

Answer 3

You don't have Down's, but you very well may have a learning disability. It's only been within the past several years that more attention has been given to learning disabilities so your parents and schools might just not have known how to diagnose you when you were in school. Despite that, look at all of the education you've worked through! Congratulations! Talk to your GP who can direct you to a learning psychologist or specialist who will help you find the root of your problem.

Answer 4

If you had Down's, you'd know it! The symptoms are quite obvious, and the mental functioning is usually much lower than what your's is. Talk to your parents or family doctor about your concerns. In the mean time, be proud of what you have accomplished, and do the best with what you have. That's all any of us can ask for. Good luck!

Answer 5

I know plenty of people with Down syndrome who can and do post to the internet all the time.

But still, you don't sound like you have that. You aren't dumb, but something keeps you back and makes you feel dumb, right? I'll bet you have a learning disability. A psychologist or neurologist could diagnose you.

Answer 6

The very fact that you can post things on the Internet speaks against Trisomy 21.

I would talk to your doctor about your feelings of mental inadequacy and they can refer you for formalized IQ testing.

I doubt you are below normal given the writing displayed. I think there is something else going on but it would be good to have it investigated.

Answer 7

Call with any problem, anytime:
Girls and Boys Town National Hotline
Phone: [phone]
Email: Hotline@girlsandboystown.
org
They have the trained professionals
to help you with this. <}:-})

Answer 8

Downs is unlikely you could have a mild form of autisum or aspirgers.

def talk to the dr about your concerns.