Jessamy Munger and Rachel Sanborn

1
Down Syndrome

• Jessamy Munger and Rachel Sanborn

2
Definition

• Most common and readily identifiable chromosomal
  condition
• Caused by a chromosomal abnormality for some
  unexplained reason
• Changes the orderly development of the body and
  brain

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Characteristics

• Low muscle tone
• Flat facial profile
• Upward slant to the eyes
• Abnormal shape of the ear
• Single deep crease across the center of the palm
• Hyperflexibility, excessive ability to extend the
  joints
• Small skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes

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Characteristics

• Very social, warm, loving children
• Thyroid problems
• ADHD
• Hearing and vision problems
• Sleeping problems
• Receptive language is better than expressive
  language
• Excessive space between large and second toe
• Enlargement of tongue in relationship to size of
  mouth

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Medical Explanation

• Extra portion of the number 21 chromosome
• Three ways the extra portion occurs
• Nondisjunction
• Mosaicism
• Translocation

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Educational Implications

• Prepare children for long term goals
• How to behave properly with peers
• Use visual aids and prompts
• Corresponding level of material
• Highly structured environment
• Reduced teaching space
• Less distractions
• Control extraneous stimuli
• Positive behavior modifications program
• Use brief or visual instruction
• Sight words and visual cues
• Grammar and sequencing is very difficult for them

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Educational Implications

• Allow them more time to complete assignments and
  time for breaks
• Language organizers
• Share notes
• Easier reading material
• Present material in other ways besides in writing
• Shorter directions task analysis
• Use demonstrations and picture cues
• Read directions aloud
• Oral cues and prompts
• Modified worksheets
• Alternate activities only when needed
• Lessen writing tasks

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Adaptive Devices

• Glasses
• Hearing Aids
• Visual Tools
• Pictures embedded with sight words
• Picture cards
• Computer Usage
• Modified Worksheets
• Books

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Adaptive Devices
Slant Board
Adjusted Keyboard
Tracing Board
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Playing Card Holder
Large Playing Cards
Talking Calculator
Picture Phone
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Life Implications

• Educational concerns, career preparation,
  employment, domestic life, community
  involvements, social maturation, and recreational
  activities need to be taken into consideration
• Need well-planned coordination
• Career preparation
• Develop self-esteem
• The goal is to pursue daily living tasks without
  assistance or with minimal assistance
• Need leisure activities also

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Life Implications

• 2 year 4 year colleges with LD programs
• Non-Credit Transitional Programs on college
  campuses-with w/o follow-up services
• Post-Secondary Independent Living Programs
• Look for a place that provides . . .
• Independent Living Skills
• Vocational
• Educational
• Social/Self Esteem
• Recreational
• Individualized
• Community Based
• Options for Long-term Comprehensive Support
  Services
• Include Goal Setting Training
• Consider the Whole Person
• Help Parents and Young Adult Establish a New
  Relationship
• Maintain Active Partnership Between Parents and
  Staff

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Websites

• Down Syndrome http//www.nas.com/downsyn/
• Down Syndrome on the Internet http//www.downsyndr
  ome.com/
• Enabling Devices http//enablingdevices.com/
• National Association for Down Syndrome
  http//www.nads.org/
• National Down Syndrome Congress
  http//www.ndsccenter.org/
• National Down Syndrome Society http//www.ndss.org
  /