When we go to various doctors’ offices with Evan, it never fails to surprise me how often medical professionals fail to use “people-first” language. (I think I may have posted on this a long time ago too.) This happens everywhere, from the pediatrician, to PT/OT/ST providers, to hospital personnel, to specialists. I wouldn’t say it especially offends me, because I don’t think any negativity is intended, but I guess I’m more surprised that they don’t know any better. I’ve heard the term “Down’s kids” or “Down’s babies” more often than I care to count, as I’m sure you all have.
Today, at the endocrinologist, it was “kids like Evan”. Well, what the hell does that mean, exactly? The doc never came right out and said Down syndrome but I’m assuming that’s what he meant. Although he could have been referring to any number of characteristics, I guess…kids with brown eyes, kids who are drooling, kids with a fantastic giggle, kids in red high-tops, kids holding stuffed carrots. How the hell am I supposed to know, really? I suppose since none of those things actually have anything to do with high TSH levels, he must be referring to Down syndrome. But who can really be sure?
The good news is, politically incorrect terminology aside, that the doctor doesn’t feel that Evan needs thyroid intervention at this time. He thinks the somewhat-high TSH levels are probably just a result of a higher-than-normal baseline, due to Down syndrome (or as he put it “in kids like Evan”) and possibly any of the many viruses Evan’s had over the last several months. He is pleased with his growth so far, and therefore thinks medication isn’t necessary. We’ll recheck after his second birthday, but if all is the same then, only annually after that.
I love walking out of a doctor’s office WITHOUT a prescription in my hand.
4 comments:
While I was at the nephrologist on Monday I told him about the status of Ryan's potty training. He said "That's norm for kids with his problem." Like you I can only guess he meant Down syndrome because at this point in the conversation he had not identified a problem with Ryan's kidneys that would make potty training difficult. When I hear people say "Down's babies" or "He has Down's" I am generally not offended either, but just surprised by the number of people that don't use the correct terminology. So, with that said I have to admit I was offended my the comment the nephrologist made. Too bad I was wrestling Lilly and wasn't able to come up with a snappy comeback.i
I too am surprised by the number of doctors, therapists, teachers, and others directly involved with the care and education of kids with Down syndrome who don't seem to be clued in on people-first language.
I don't get all in a twist about it (like you), but I sure notice it.
Congrats on the no prescription!
Oh, it woulda' been awesome if you said, "Oh. Yeah, you mean the Converse?"
:OP
I've encountered this situation many times myself and I always note it in my mind and wonder why people... especially doctors, and therapists, and people who should know better... don't do better.
But then I wonder, do these professionals say "kids like this," or "kids like Evan," etc. because: 1.) The phrase "Down syndrome" is such a mouth full during conversation?; or 2.) They actually think they're being sensitive and putting the individual first by saying "kids like Evan" instead of "kids with Down syndrome?"
I know this may not be so always, but, like, when the oncologist constantly says to me "kids like Archie" I have to expect the best of him. It just feels right.
But when they call Down syndrome a problem, like in Marcy's example, now that pisses me off.
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