Ahem. Anyway, I've been seeing many blog posts by others who are working their way diligently through 31 for 21 about the myths and stereotypes of Down syndrome, what is fact and what is fiction. I think these posts are a great idea, to educate those who are just beginning their journey with a child with Down syndrome, or for those without a child with Ds who just want to learn something new. However, there is one stereotype that I have not seen listed on these posts but that I have heard in passing over the years. And I don't know what to believe about it.
It's about the inability to lie.
I don't think this refers to children being silly, a very common occurrence from Samantha (What color is the sky today? Red! Noooo, silly, it's not red, tell me the right color! BLUE!!! (giggles)).
I think this refers to an innate honesty and pureness of soul and conscience. The inability to deceive for personal gain. Will we miss (a relative term here) out on that ritual of teen rebellion where they lie to stay out of trouble (No, I haven't been drinking! Yes, I was at Suzy's house!)?
Perhaps it even refers to a missing element of self-preservation. Whoa. That just came to me as I was writing this, and it startles me. Is this true? If so (bearing in mind that I just made that up), does that mean a diminished ability to assess risk? I'm pretty sure that is the case anyway, and am truly not sure if it ties in to lying, but it's still interesting to me.
Have any of you heard this before?
6 comments:
It has been my experience with my 13 year old son with DS that these are all major myths. In fact, I think I'll jut go blog on it with some fresh examples ... Thanks for the inspiration. I needed it!
Okay - done -
http://shawenstories.blogspot.com/2010/10/five-for-twenty-one-lies-and-deceit.html
I am giggling as I read this post. If indeed that extra chromosome doesn't allow lying I am wondering if I could borrow an extra for my 7 year old son. LOL
Had to check out Tamara's post. Awesome, I giggled as I read about her totally typical teen. =)
Hmm. Interesting. I have not really thought about it before. Beth will be 26 tomorrow and even though she never lied to escape punishment (like say, her sister who at 17 took off with friends, drove all night to another state... for donuts, and told us she was sleeping at a friends house) but Beth does lie sometimes. When she goes into her sisters room to look for money. The $5 is missing from the dresser and even though Beth insists she didn't take it, she'll come out later with the money. Head hung low. She says she only had one string cheese, when 4 wrappers are sitting at her feet. She tells us how she should behave, not how she did behave.
She definitely cannot access risk. That is a correct assumption. That's the reason we do not allow her to use the stove when she is home alone. It's why I get SO nervous when she walks to the store by herself.
It's why I pray, a lot. :)
Never one to be left out, I had to do my own blog post as well. LOL And no, Angela cannot assess risk. We're just starting to be able to leave her home alone for a hour to 90 minutes at a time. We ALWAYS go over the "don't answer the door for ANYONE." rule before we leave, but I worry. My neighbor has stopped by once when we were gone. Angela did not open the door, but she did stand in the window right next to it, watching him. She didn't refuse to open the door because it was dangerous, but because Mom said not to. Whatever, I guess, right? Anyway, here's the link to my blog post.
http://gardenofeagan.blogspot.com/2010/10/myth-or-fact-on-lying.html
This was very interesting for me to read as I have oftened thought along the same lines...
My little Nephew who lives with us has Aspergers syndrome, it is a high functioning form of Autism. I can honestly say he is incapable of lying, he really is. He will tell the truth even if he knows he will be in trouble for something. Now this of course comes in handy when the kids have been up to something, I can always ask Austin and know I will get the truth. But at the same time this makes me worry for him...He is an easy target because of his innocence, people take advantage of his being so pure and kind, and honest to a fault. When I see my Nephew I feel I am getting a glimpse into Russells future. Its hard to explain Austin, but he is honest to God incapable of hurting, or being mean, or lying or decieving anyone...He has really genuine qualities that make him so very special and unique.
Now I'm not saying ALL kids with Ds or Autism display the SAME qualities...I am just saying SOME do, so that theory is possible and correct for some :)
Hope some of this made sense!
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