[Sam]

Do Down Syndrome kids realize they have a disability and understand their condition?

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Name : Sam, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Catholic, Age : 15, City : St. Charles, State : IL, Country : United States, Occupation : student, Education level : Less than High School Diploma, 

[Ellen22584]

I worked for a number of years with people with Down Syndrome. I’m sure they know they are different. It depends on how high-functioning they are how much they really get. Also, as with any person, the older they are the more they realize differences. I don’t know that they ‘understand their condition’ – whatever that means.

User Detail :  

Name : Ellen22584, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 44, City : Mesa, State : AZ, Country : United States, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[David]

I work with a guy who has Down Syndrome. Although he can be hard to understand and is handicapped, he isn’t dumb. He has a name and I treat him as an equal. I am proud to be his friend and I’m sure he knows he has some obstacles – just like the mentally handicapped know when they’re being made fun of. But I admire how they can smile and live their lives to the fullest despite their setbacks. I’m sure most are aware of their handicap and, just like the rest of us, try their best to do what they can.

User Detail :  

Name : David, Gender : M, Race : Hispanic/Latino (may be any race), Age : 21, City : Houston, State : TX, Country : United States, Occupation : Psychology Student, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Upper middle class, 

[Traci]

I used to babysit for a Down Syndrome boy. He was great. I think he was aware that he was different because when we would go somewhere and people would stare at him, he would scare them and laugh about it. He didn’t let it upset him, and he was only 12 at the time. He had a great sense of humor and did well in school. I really do think he understood he was different but didn’t let it be a disability for him.

User Detail :  

Name : Traci, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : I am not really sure yet, Age : 27, City : Jacksonville, State : FL, Country : United States, Occupation : Sales, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Middle class, 

[Kathy]

I grew up across the street from a girl with Down’s Syndrome and we remain good friends to this day. As kids I can assure you, that in her case at least, my friend definitely understood her condition so much so that she would pretend to be slower than she actully was to get away with stuff… I know cuz I was in on it most of the time. Down’s Syndrome is a condition that varies from one person to the next. Some have such a mild case of it you would know they were different if not for the tale-tell physical signs… others are so severe that they are ever able to hold a job or care for themselves, and not all that have higher functioning are as crafty and devious as my friend to put that to use. In truth there is no general rule about it because it will change with the next person with Down’s that you talk to.

User Detail :  

Name : Kathy, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Christian, Age : 29, City : Chicago, State : IL, Country : United States, Occupation : Customer Service, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Lower class, 

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