A brief history of Down Syndrome: Key moments and reflections

Roy I. Brown, Margaret Kyrkou, Karen Watchman, Robert M. Hodapp

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The chapter traces some key historical developments in the study of individuals with Down syndrome. After describing general issues of classification in intellectual disabilities, we describe Langdon Down’s identification of the syndrome in the 1860s; the movement to name the syndrome after Down; the identification of trisomy 21 as the syndrome’s cause; and the beginnings of sustained research attention to the syndrome. We end with a glimpse into the future, discussing issues of longer life spans, more integrated lives, and the roles of families, organizations, and self-advocates. Working together, researchers, practitioners, and individuals and their families can all continue to advance the lives of persons with Down syndrome.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Down Syndrome and Development
EditorsJacob A. Burack, Jamie Edgin, Leonard Abbeduto
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherOxford Academic
Chapter1
Pages3-18
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9780190672614
ISBN (Print)9780190645441, 9780190645465
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NameOxford library of psychology

Keywords

  • Down syndrome
  • intellectual disability
  • neuropsychology
  • development
  • research studies
  • practical application
  • developmental changes
  • parents and families

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