Historically, both forms of spelling have been used interchangeably to refer to this condition. The title originates from English physician John Langdon Down who was the first to develop a complete characterization of the genetic condition. Dr. Down did not have the genetic condition. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) uses the spelling Down syndrome rather than Down’s syndrome because the apostrophe in “Down’s” implies ownership or possession, and Dr. Down does not own or possess the condition. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

It is important to be informed on the appropriate language when referring to or speaking to people with Down syndrome in order to be respectful and inclusive. The Down syndrome community and NDSS express the preferences in Down syndrome language and communication in the following ways: 

- Down vs. Down's syndrome
- person-first language

Preferred Language of Down Syndrome

“About Down Syndrome.” National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), https://www.ndss.org/about. 

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): About Down Syndrome

Down vs. Down's syndrome

NDSS encourages using person-first language when referring to people with Down syndrome and avoiding using the term “Down” or “Down’s” as an adjective or title (i.e. it is discouraged to say “Down’s child” or “s/he has Down’s”. 

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