Running head: VULNERABLE POPULATION: DOWN SYNDROME CHILDREN

Vulnerable Population: Down syndrome Children

Kimberly McPike
Ferris State University

Vulnerable Population: Down syndrome Children

The vulnerable population identified is children with developmental disabilities
which are a group of severe chronic conditions that can occur due to mental and /or physical
impairments, which affects major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help,
and independent living. These developmental disabilities which includes autism, cerebral palsy,
and Down syndrome begins anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last
throughout a person's lifetime (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012).
Among these developmental disabilities, Down syndrome will be emphasized as the vulnerable
population. According to the CDC (2014) Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can occur
among all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups in which a baby has an extra chromosome

that changes the body and brains development, and can cause mild to moderate intellectual and
physical disabilities. It is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United
States that affects about 6,000 babies born each year. Children born with Down syndrome are
usually smaller in stature and have distinct physical characteristics which include flattening of
the back of the head, slanting of the eyelids, depressed nasal bridge, a tongue that tends to stick
out of the mouth, small hands and feet, and decreased muscle tone (CDC, 2014). Every person
with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to varying
degrees or not at all. Studies dating back to 1983, suggest that people who were born with Down
syndrome are more likely to die at a younger age when compared to the general population, but
with medical advancement and technology, their life expectancy has dramatically increased from
the ages of 25 to 60 (National Down Syndrome Society [NDSS], 2014). Therefore, it is essential
for nurses to develop a partnership and open communication with families and health care
professionals to identify signs or concerns of developmental delays for early diagnosis and
interventions to prevent further developmental delays.
My personal awareness and attitude of the Down syndrome population is that they have a
distinct look with short stature, slanted almond-shaped eyes, flat face and nose bridge, and their
tongue tends to stick out. Behavior wise, they appear friendly, innocent, and exhibit traits of
developmental delays with a short attention span where they can be very happy or easily upset.
Recently, at the grocery store, I observed two mothers with young Down syndrome boys who
were making small conversation with each other, when shockingly I overheard one parent say to
the other you have one of them too? I felt very hurtful and shameful for both mothers after
hearing that comment, because they have to live with the stigma and stereotypes of how society
views their children, and yet in a sense, they seem to be caught up in this belief.

VULNERABLE POPULATION: DOWN SYNDROME CHILDREN

My personal views and attitude of the Down syndrome population were broadened with
my literature research on this topic. According to Enea-Drapeau, Carlier, and Huguet (2012),
societal common reactions to Down syndrome individuals often times are unfavorable, which
can lead to fetal termination and abandonment, and those who survive these unfavorable
conditions are stigmatized and can be rejected socially. The problem with stigmatization, is that
it often times can greatly hinder the successful integration and development of people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. I have been inspired and touched at the many
personal triumphs and challenges that this population has to go through every day. They make
great strides to lead a happy and worthwhile life with their amazing coping skills when dealing
with societal stigmatization and stereotyping.
When caring for individuals with special healthcare and developmental needs, nurses are
expected to demonstrate awareness, education, and sensitivity of their biases in order to provide
effective care to this specific population. Increasing knowledge and awareness of the topic of
Down syndrome can enhance the diagnosis, early intervention, and monitoring process, while
promoting a functional healthy life style for these individuals through public policy, such as The
Arc. The Arc is a large network, consisting of 700 state and local chapters assisting and tailoring
to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (The Arc, 2014).
This could mean providing education and guidance to an expectant parent, a child who may need
coaching with social and mental stabilization, or promoting optimal functionality and
independency in adults.

VULNERABLE POPULATION: DOWN SYNDROME CHILDREN

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Facts about Down Syndrome. Retrieved
from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2012). Key Findings: Trends in the
Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities in U. S. Children, 19972008. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/features/birthdefects-ddkeyfindings.html
From Facial-Feature-Based to Implicit Stereotyping. PLoS ONE, 7(4), 1-5.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0034369
National Down Syndrome Society. (2014). Down Syndrome Facts. Retrieved from
http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/
The Arc. (2014). Who We Are. Retrieved from http://www.thearc.org/who-we-are