2. Down Syndrome Definition
Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder in which a
person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Normally each egg & sperm cell contain 23
chromosomes
The union of these create 23 pairs or 46 total
chromosomes
Occasionally, an egg or sperm cell does not develop
properly & contributes 24 chromosomes instead of 23
3. Down Syndrome
English physician John Langdon Down first
characterized down syndrome as a distinct form of
mental disability in 1862
He noticed that all kids with down syndrome had the
same facial features
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M--xOyGUX4
4. Who does it affect…
Down Syndrome affects people of all
ages, races, religious backgrounds and economic
situations
There is no definite way of knowing which parents will
have a cell that contains 24 chromosomes
For every 800 babies born only 1 will have down
syndrome
It occurs in all races, social classes and in all countries
throughout the world
5. Features of Down Syndrome
May have eyes that slant upward
Small ears that fold over at the top
Small mouth, making the tongue appear large
Small nose, with a flattened nasal bridge
Some babies may have short necks, small fingers, and
small hands
Adults are often short with unusually limber joints
6.
7. Treatment Options
There is no cure for down syndrome
However, children born with the condition can lead
productive lives but will just be at a delayed pace
Children with down syndrome can attend school and
many join regular classes
They are also usually able to participate in
recreational, vocational and social activities in their
communities
8. Affects on child in classroom
Children with down syndrome can have hearing and
sight problems, low muscle tone, speech
intelligibility, memory problems and increased
sensitivity to loud noises and vibrations
Not all children with down syndrome will experience
other health related problems
Individuals with Down syndrome have varying degrees
of abilities, skills, behavior and physical development.
Their learning deficits result from different learning
styles rather than learning impediments.
9. How Does Teacher Meet Needs…
Low Muscle Tone
Allow extra time to complete task
Support fine motor development use with wrist and
finger strengthening activities
Provide opportunities for self-help skills (ex buttons and
zippers)
10. Continued…
Speech Intelligibility
Due to down syndrome children often exhibit great
differences between receptive (understanding) and
expressive (spoken language production) language
abilitity
Teacher needs to recognize situational factors
(impatient listener, embarrassment, lack of confidence)
Teach peers how to engage in meaningful interactions
Use simple questions and allow ample response time
11. Continued…
Memory
Most students with down syndrome will have short term
or working memory difficulties
Teacher need to allow more time to learn and allow
more practice to apply knowledge
Present all information clearly
12. Continued…
Vision
place student at front of class
Speak directly to student
Use visual aids (ex write on the boards)
Use larger font
13. Continued…
Compact ear, nose, and throat
Due to compact ear, nose, and throat there can be
increased sensitivity to loud noises and vibrations
Teachers need to be aware of noises in and around
classrooms
If appropriate allow the child to wear headphones
14. Teacher Expectations
Teachers expectations with children with down
syndrome should be to have goals that are
achievable, measured, and meaningful all while based
on students individual achievement level