Suffering and Down syndrome

When you read about Down syndrome, more times than not, you will read the statement,

"suffering with Down syndrome....." mixed in with a short explanation of the extra chromosome.



I looked up the definition:

Suffering

1. the pain, misery, or loss experienced by a person who suffers

2. the state or an instance of enduring pain, etc.

 

 

Then, I looked up synonyms:

 

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suffering - a state of acute pain excruciation, agony hurting, pain- a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder; "the patient developed severe pain and distension" throe- severe spasm of pain; "the throes of dying"; "the throes of childbirth"   Reading those makes me think, Wow! Do people really equate Down syndrome with suffering the way it is described above.   Does this child look to be in pain? Is this a face of excruciation or agony? I can assure you, this child is not suffering. The word "suffering" should never be used to describe Down syndrome.  People with Down syndrome do not suffer. 97% of people with Down syndrome like who they are.  97% of people with Down syndrome between the ages of 12 and 52 like who they are. 99% of people with Down syndrome are happy with their lives.  99% people!  How could that be suffering.  Well, it's just NOT.  So spread the word.  People with Down syndrome are happy with their lives, NOT suffering, and their families love them.  No suffering there.