Are adults with down syndrome as stubborn as children with downs?

Question

I have a Down Syndrome son who is 19 years old now. He has always had time consuming episodes of not wanting to cooperate or move on to something else. I was told he had autistic traits also. Just wondering if there was someone out there who has first hand experience with what I am asking and

will the episodes always exist?

Answer 1

It depends on the personality and the severity.

Answer 2

From what I understand stubborness is not necessarily a down syndrome quality, it sounds like that may just be a personality trait, and hopefully that will improve with age.

Answer 3

my boys very very  stubborn  lol just like  his sibs but just a little bit more

Answer 4

I work with several adults who have Downs.  I find that they are stubborn, and that you just have to wait it out.

Answer 5

I've known and worked with a number of children and adults with Down Syndrome over the years.  The short answer is yes.  Basically, if he was stubborn as a kid, that's not likely to change.  But I wouldn't say all children and adults with DS are stubborn.  On the other hand, I think there is a higher likelihood of "stubborn-ness" with people with DS.  Why?  I'm not sure, but I think it's related to knowing and learning routines.  People with DS often get into a routine or pattern (first I do this, then that, then...) that they don't want to break.  It's often hard for them to get it down in the first place, but once they do, they'll stick with it no matter what.  Here's a quote:

"Do people with Down's syndrome have a particular personality type?

No, people with Down’s syndrome do not have a particular personality type. People with Down’s syndrome are individuals. However, people with Down’s syndrome are more likely to use certain coping strategies. For example, it is common for people with Down’s syndrome to use routine, order and sameness as a way of rationalising and controlling their lives. Similarly, people with Down’s syndrome may also use self-talk as a way of directing their behaviour, expressing their feelings and making sense of what is sometimes a very confusing world. Change can be very disorientating especially if you have a learning disability. In the past, people with Down’s syndrome have sometimes been portrayed as being stubborn. Stubbornness and a refusal to co-operate may be a signal from the individual that they do not fully understand what is expected of them. Stubbornness can also be symptomatic of an individual trying to exert control over their lives. The best way to help someone is to try and find out from him or her what the problem is."

And another:

"We have heard that many people with Down syndrome are stubborn and compulsive. Now, I know what many of you are thinking...“Did you really have to bring that up?” I’m sorry, but—we do. What we hear is that quite a few people have nonsensical rituals and routines. They can get stuck on behaviors that can drive family members a little crazy.

Despite the irritations, there are also many benefits to these “obsessive compulsive tendencies.” We actually have termed these tendencies “Grooves” because people tend to follow fairly set patterns, or “grooves,” in their daily activities.

What are the benefits of Grooves? Many people with Down syndrome are very careful with their appearance and grooming, which is especially important since they often stand out because of their physical features. Grooves also increase independence because most people are able to complete home and work tasks reliably when these tasks are part of their daily routine. (And while they are not fast ... they are very precise.) For many with Down syndrome, grooves serve as a way to relax. Some people repeat a favorite activity in a quiet space, such as writing, drawing, puzzles, needlepoint, etc. Grooves also serve as a clear and unambiguous statement of choice (very important for people with language limitations). This may even be a way for teens with Down syndrome to define their own independence without getting into the same rancorous conflicts with parents as many other teens."