What is Down Syndrome?As defined by the Mayo Clinic:
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. This genetic disorder varies in severity, and causes lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays, and in some people it causes health problems. Physical Charateristics of Down Syndrome
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Background Information
CAUSES
Human cells normally contain 23 pairs of chromosomes. One chromosome in each pair comes from your father, the other from your mother.
Down syndrome results when abnormal cell division involving chromosome 21 occurs. These cell division abnormalities result in extra genetic material from chromosome 21, which is responsible for the characteristic features and developmental problems of Down syndrome. Any one of three genetic variations can cause Down syndrome:
-Mayo Clinic PREVALENCEResearchers estimated that in 2008 about 1 out of every 1,200 people (children, teens, and adults) living in the United States had Down syndrome. This means that in 2008 about 250,700 children, teens, and adults were living with Down syndrome in the United States.
Older mothers are more likely to have a baby affected by Down syndrome than younger mothers. In other words, the prevalence of Down syndrome increases as the mother’s age increases. - Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Information
There are different medical issues commonly associated with Down Syndrome. They include * Hearing loss * Poor eye sight * Infections * Heart defects * Sleep apnia * Obesity * Alzheimers in later life |
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Associated Issues
Behaviour problems are very common in all children. 1 in 10 children has behaviour problems that are serious enough to be diagnosed by a professional.
Behaviour problems are even more common in children with down syndrome. 1 in 3 children with down syndrome has behaviour problems that are serious enough to be diagnosed by a professional. Even more children with down syndrome have behaviour problems that might not be diagnosed, but still cause problems for kids and their families.
- The Developmental Medicine Centre at the University of Boston and the Institute of Community Inclusion
What can behaviour look like in school with students with Down Syndrome?
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, young students with Down Syndrome often exhibit some of the following behaviours:
Behaviour problems are even more common in children with down syndrome. 1 in 3 children with down syndrome has behaviour problems that are serious enough to be diagnosed by a professional. Even more children with down syndrome have behaviour problems that might not be diagnosed, but still cause problems for kids and their families.
- The Developmental Medicine Centre at the University of Boston and the Institute of Community Inclusion
What can behaviour look like in school with students with Down Syndrome?
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, young students with Down Syndrome often exhibit some of the following behaviours:
- Disruptive, impulsive, inattentive, hyperactive and oppositional behaviours
- Anxious, stuck, ruminative, inflexible behaviours
- Deficits in social relatedness, self-immersed, repetitive stereotypical behaviours
- Chronic sleep difficulties, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and mood related problems
- Depression, social withdrawal, diminished interests and coping skills
- Generalized anxiety
- Obsessive compulsive behaviors
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER....
How can teachers ensure that a student with this syndrome reaches their full potential?
To ensure that a student with Down Syndrome is able to reach their full potential, as an educator you have to have a thorough knowledge of the syndrome. This is important, because as a teacher you have to be able to develop a plan for this child to be successful. For this to happen you must work closely with and keep in constant communication with your school team, as well as the parents. Establishing routines, staying positive, getting to know your students and his or her interests are critical in helping a student reach their potential. I believe it's important to work access all services available including OT’s, physiotherapists and speech therapists to help develop successful strategies that we can use in the classroom. Completing ongoing formal and educational assessments with this student is important so you are able to track their learning. It is important to know that not all students with Down Syndrome suffer severe mental deficits. Challenging these students and keeping them working in their “zone of proximal development” will motivate and hopefully bring out their potential.
1. What social supports could be put in place in your schools to create a more inclusive environment for students with Down Syndrome?
2. Many students with Down Syndrome will have some form of Educational Assistant support. How can you ensure that you are working collaboratively with the EA to best support your student(s)?
To ensure that a student with Down Syndrome is able to reach their full potential, as an educator you have to have a thorough knowledge of the syndrome. This is important, because as a teacher you have to be able to develop a plan for this child to be successful. For this to happen you must work closely with and keep in constant communication with your school team, as well as the parents. Establishing routines, staying positive, getting to know your students and his or her interests are critical in helping a student reach their potential. I believe it's important to work access all services available including OT’s, physiotherapists and speech therapists to help develop successful strategies that we can use in the classroom. Completing ongoing formal and educational assessments with this student is important so you are able to track their learning. It is important to know that not all students with Down Syndrome suffer severe mental deficits. Challenging these students and keeping them working in their “zone of proximal development” will motivate and hopefully bring out their potential.
1. What social supports could be put in place in your schools to create a more inclusive environment for students with Down Syndrome?
2. Many students with Down Syndrome will have some form of Educational Assistant support. How can you ensure that you are working collaboratively with the EA to best support your student(s)?