What is the People First Language equivalent for 'He's Down's'?

What is the People First Language equivalent for 'He's Down's'?

• A. Ryan has Down syndrome.
• B. Ryan has Down's.
• C. Ryan has Down's disease.
• D. Ryan is Down.

Answer: (A)

Using People First Language means describing the person before the condition. Saying “Ryan has Down syndrome” recognizes him as a person who lives with a condition, not defined by it. The term “Down syndrome” is the respectful, neutral medical name for the condition, while terms like “Down’s” or “Down’s disease” are outdated or incorrect and reduce the person to the disability. Saying “Ryan is Down” is dehumanizing and inappropriate. Therefore, the best choice is “Ryan has Down syndrome.”

Using People First Language means describing the person before the condition. Saying “Ryan has Down syndrome” recognizes him as a person who lives with a condition, not defined by it. The term “Down syndrome” is the respectful, neutral medical name for the condition, while terms like “Down’s” or “Down’s disease” are outdated or incorrect and reduce the person to the disability. Saying “Ryan is Down” is dehumanizing and inappropriate. Therefore, the best choice is “Ryan has Down syndrome.”