Journal on Developmental Disabilities

The Journal on Developmental Disabilities is a peer-reviewed journal with a growing regional and international readership.

Volume 12 Number 1 Supplement 2	other issues
Down Syndrome	Editors Table of Contents Editorial Articles Mental Imagery in Persons With Intellectual Disability Delay of Gratification Playground Dynamics A Phenomenographic Study on Parenting Community Perceptions of Down Syndrome
Perceptions of Down Syndrome in the Australian Community Linda Gilmore
Abstract Community perceptions of Down syndrome were examined in a sample of 1,228 participants. Respondents were asked to complete a rating scale, and report the first thing that came to mind when they thought of Down syndrome. Although the knowledge was reasonably accurate, and the expectations for developmental outcomes were optimistic, there was evidence for stereotyped views. The terms used to describe Down syndrome varied strikingly from very negative to very positive, with significant differences according to age, gender, education, occupation and personal contact. The strength of the data confirmed the potential for this methodology to develop a profound understanding of community attitudes. download article >>

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Perceptions of Down Syndrome in the Australian Community