[ExI] Science or Scientism?

[SR Ballard]

> On Nov 12, 2018, at 5:08 PM, William Flynn Wallace <foozler83 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I have no idea.  But I can tell you this:  I taught MR for several years in the 70s, and 25 was what was listed in the texts.  I have strong doubts that those afflicted are any better now than they were then.  It has really stuck in my mind, because, for one thing, that was the average, meaning about half were lower.  Trisomy really screws up your body.  Most - percentage unknown - die fairly young.  For one hint, averages are NEVER reported as ranges, only as single points, so whoever did that is a statistical moron.  Do you have a particular interest in this?  
> 
> bill w

Well, perhaps things have actually changed somewhat, due to de-institutionalization. As a side effect of being raised in a supportive family environment, the life expectancy of those with Downs seems to have increased somewhat dramatically. And, due to changes in educational law (mandating public school accommodation) it seems that more are receiving education to a higher level than before— what the standard grade equivalent is, I’m not so sure. 

And no, I had no particular interest in it before this conversation, but considering how common it is, I was surprised that it isn’t better ... that there isn’t more straightforward information to the answers to my questions readily available online? Which, of course, piques my interest. I love learning things which have absolutely no practical application in my life. It’s a hobby that makes me quite good at trivia, but quite a bore at parties. 

I’m quite aware that averages are reported as a single number, just as you should be aware that most texts intended for a lay audience will instead list them as a range if they are not a pretty number, as decimals and “odd” numbers bother people. The only exception I can think of is body temperature in Fahrenheit. 

SR Ballard
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