Down Syndrome

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is genetic condition where a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46

Also known as Trisomy 21

Characteristics

smaller and abnormally shaped head

excess skin at the neck

flat nose single crease on

palm small ears and

mouth

Characteristics

upward/slanting eyes wide/short hands and

fingers hearing and eye

problems slower physical

development poor muscle tone and

loose ligaments cognitive impairment

(smaller brain)

Cause

child inherits 3 copies of chromosome 21

Problems in School

Social skills Bullying Focusing Short-attention span Need instructions repeated

Teaching Modifications Use various types of teaching methods Give immediate feedback Focus on the individual child Learn first hand the needs and capabilities of each child Develop an IEP Talk to specialists in your school for

suggestions.

Suggestions to Parents Encourage independence Teach self care skills Give chores/responsibility Be patient and positive Involve your child in activities (school,

community, etc.) Establish relationships with other parents

who may also have a special needs child.

How to Act Treat them as you would

anyone else Be polite Don’t go out of your

way to talk Put the person before

the disability Don’t handicap them by

doing everything for them.

Resources

www.ncbi.nlm.gov/pubmedhealth.com http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/dow

nsyndrome

Bowman-Kruhm, Everything You Need to Know About Down Syndrome