lesson 2 EED 205

Is Down Syndrome a genetic disorder? Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. It's the most common genetic chromosomal disorder and cause of learning disabilities in children. It also causes other medical abnormalities, including heart and gastrointestinal disorders. Symptoms of Down Syndrome Each person with down syndrome is an induvial. intellectual and developmental problems may be mild, moderate or severe. Some people are very healthy while others have significant health problems such as serous heart defects. Though not all children have the same symptoms some common ones are Flattened face Small head What is Down syndrome? What are the Symptoms? What are the milestones? What are helpful intervention strategies? Down Syndrome What are the milestones for a child with Down syndrome? Children with DS suffer from having low muscle tone and this will impact the rate and the order in which gross motor milestones are achieved, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, and jumping. A child without DS may roll over at 6 months while a child with DS may roll over at 9 months. Most children learn to walk at 12 months, while children with this disorder may not walk until 18 months. It is important to remember that each child with down syndrome are unique and will achieve gross motor milestones at their own pace. “Having Down syndrome is like being born normal. I am just like you and you are just like me. We are all born in different ways, that is the way I can describe it. I have a normal life.” What are helpful intervention strategies? The most common early intervention services for babies with Down syndrome are physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. Children with down syndrome have specific points in their learning development. Here is a list of helpful strategies to remember. They are visual learners They understand a lot more than they can say They can follow classroom rules like other children Children with down syndrome can learn, but compromises may need to be made Down Syndrome Symptoms Continued… Short neck Protruding tongue Upward slanting eye lids (palpebral fissures) Unusually shaped or small ears Poor muscle tone Broad, short hands with a single crease in the palm Excessive flexibility Short height