Cook History of Disability- Introduction

Down Syndrome Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third chromosome 21 in a person's DNA sequence (Akhtar & Bokhari, 2023). Down syndrome is known to cause characteristic facial features, mild intellectual disability, and developmental delays. Each person with Down syndrome is different though in the challenges they face and the solutions available to them as the experiences and functioning of every person differs.  Challenges and Solutions People with Down syndrome may face a variety of challenges associated with having this disability. Individuals with Down syndrome may have mild intellectual challenges associated with verbal memory, expressive communication, and attention span that can cause developmental delays as these individuals may learn slightly slower (Akhtar & Bokhari, 2023). Early interventions can be one solution to these challenges (Piatti et al., 2022). Early interventions typically focus on improving a child's cognitive functio

Overview of Down Syndrome Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause mild intellectual disabilities and developmental delays in children (Kazemi et al., 2016). Down syndrome is not inheritable, but it is genetic in the sense that it is most often caused by the formation of an extra chromosome 21. Meaning, a person has three of the 21st chromosome instead of two.  This blog will discuss the psychological concepts, theories, and models associated with Down syndrome as well as provide an overview of how those within a person's environment can help support their disability.  Psychological Concepts Psychological concepts are used to understand a person and why they behave in certain ways based on the context that influences them. Concepts seek to interpret abstract ideas into words that can be understood in a universally accepted way. Down syndrome is conceptualized as a genetic disorder triggered by the existence of a third chromosome 21 that causes delayed growth, mild intelle

Review: What is Down syndrome?  Down syndrome is a genetic disorder most typically caused by the formation of a third chromosome 21 in every cell in a person's body (Kazemi et al., 2016). Down syndrome can cause physical disability as well as mild to moderate physical and intellectual developmental delays.  Introducing Kelly Fitzgerald Kelly Fitzgerald is a woman with Down Syndrome (Attitude, 2009). Kelly shares her experience with Down syndrome in order to normalize the disability as she hopes to change people's views and establish herself as the same as anyone. Kelly describes that growing up she never viewed herself as disabled and her family did not treat her as such. Her family gave her equal opportunity to participate in things growing up and encouraged her to do only what she could manage with her own effort. Kelly does not receive special treatment but works for what she wants like anyone else. Kelly describes that her life is good and that she is slowly achieving all o

Overview of Down Syndrome Approximately 400,000 Americans have Down Syndrome (Presson et al., 2013). Down syndrome is the most common type of intellectual disability that results from a chromosomal disorder. The most common form of Down syndrome is Trisomy 21, which occurs when each cell in the body creates a third copy of chromosome 21 instead of the average two copies ( Facts about, 2023). Trisomy 21 accounts for over 95% of cases of Down syndrome. However, about 3% of people with Down syndrome have Translocation Down syndrome. Translocation Down Syndrome results when an extra chromosome 21 appears translocated to a chromosome other than chromosome 21. Approximately 2% of people with Down syndrome have Mosaic Down syndrome. Mosaic Down syndrome occurs when some cells in the body form a third copy of chromosome 21, while others have the typical two copies of chromosome 21 in each cell. Individuals with Mosaic Down syndrome usually have fewer symptoms of Down syndrome as the condition

Introduction to Disabilities The term disability refers to any condition, whether of mind or body, that interferes with a person's ability to function in their environment either by preventing them from doing certain things or slowing them down (Friedman & Owen, 2017). In the United States alone there are approximately 57.8 million people living with disabilities and the majority of people will acquire at least one type of disability during their life (Peacock et al., 2015). With the prevalence of disabilities within the world it is important to understand the psychology of disability. Historical and contemporary views on disabilities have significantly shifted, but many stereotypes still persist in society as a result of various cultural perceptions.  Historical and Contemporary Overview Conditions for people with disabilities still are not perfect, but the rights of individuals with disabilities within the United States have come a long way over the years. In the 1800s, many