Down Autism Down Syndrome and Autism Are

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 Syndrome, and many do have a high level of functioning. Various therapies and interventions have enabled Down Syndrome symptoms to be minimized. The community of people with autism is also diverse. There are several manifestations of autism including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome (Autism Speaks, 2013).

Several of the autism spectrum disorders may be classified as severe, with serious manifestations of symptoms that impair the individual's ability to function in society. However, many of the autism spectrum disorders are mild and do not impair the individual's ability to function in society. Thus, many students in a school may have a type of autism spectrum disorder without any of the peers being aware of the issue.

Some people with autism disorders have a "savant" area of specialization in which they excel especially well in a field such as art, math, or music (Autism Speaks, 2013). One of the "hallmark features" of autism is "impaired social interaction," (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2013). Total withdrawal and social isolation are common symptoms. Many children with autism have trouble maintaining eye contact or communicating even with parents. Likewise, children with autism might not recognize emotion on facial expressions, or lack the ability to understand nonverbal communication cues.

Their frustration, and that of their loved ones, can cause serious problems unless a firm foundation of compassion, caring, and patience are cultivated. Some individuals with autism will exhibit well-developed language skills, such as those with Asperger's Syndrome. Therefore, it is critical to know what type of autism an individual has before making judgments about their needs. A person with autism might be highly functioning, but their symptoms might emerge under certain situations.

Understanding both Down Syndrome and autism will improve the social outlook for all individuals, because compassion and caring go a long way toward making.