re: Spain elects first member of Parliment with Downs Syndrome

I am not an expert by any means, but I happen to know several people who have kids with Down Syndrome so I have learned a lot about it.

There is more than one type of Down Syndrome. One is called Mosaic Down Syndrome. Most people with this type have a normal IQ. People with the other types usually are more significantly impaired, but it really depends. One family I know has a son who is significantly impaired and can't speak. Another has a daughter who is cognitively normal and was just elected Homecoming Queen at her school. She has some common Down Syndrome features, but they are much less pronounced that in some of the other kids I know. The other kids we know range between these two.

If this lady is like the one girl we know, she is a pistol and smart as a whip. I just hate to hear anyone referred to as a "retard" even if they are cognitively impaired. They are humans who deserve respect. The non-verbal kid we know is a sweetheart. He loves music and always lifts his hands in praise during worship service at church. He doesn't deserved to be ridiculed.