Down Syndrome

Description

Down Syndrome according to the National Down Syndrome Society is:

a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome defect, causing intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities including short stature and a broad facial profile. It arises from a defect involving chromosome 21, usually an extra copy (trisomy-21).

3 types
1. Trisomy-21
2. Mosaicism
3. Translocation
(ndss.org)

Facts about Down Syndrome
-1 in 691 babies in the US are born with Down Syndrome.
-Approx 400,000 people with DS in the US
-6000 babies a year born with DS
- October is DS awareness month

Indicators

Body shape and size

Short stature. A child often grows slowly and is shorter than average as an adult.
Low muscle tone throughout the body.
A short, wide neck.The neck may have excess fat and skin.
Short, stocky arms and legs.

Face shape and features

Slanted eyes.

A nasal bridge that looks pushed in.

Small ears.

Irregularly shaped mouth and tongue.

Irregular and crooked teeth.

Health Problems

Intellectual disability.
Heart defects.
Hypothyroidism, celiac disease, and eye conditions.
Respiratory infections, constipation, hearing problems, or dental problems.
Depression or behavior problems associated with ADHD or autism.

Accommodations and Modifications

Time Management

-Use visual schedule
-Use a calendar or journal
-Clarify for understanding

Socializing

-Create socialization opportunities
-Use cooperative learning
-Teach social skills
-Create social supports

Motor Activities

-Allow more time on assignments
-Allow activity breaks
-Don’t use timed activities
-Allow short breaks between activities

-When modifying papers for a student with DS use large print and written instructions to back up oral instructions. Also leave large areas for them to write due to handwriting skills.
-Sometimes it is smart for a parent to hold a child with DS back then to let them make friends and then hold them back in school.

-It might also be helpful for parents of DS to talk with students in their child's class about DS. Let them know that they are not all that different from them.

(cds.ca)