www.disabilityart.comDown Syndrome
Down syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable chromosomal condition associated with mental retardation. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality. For some unexplained reason, an accident in cell development results in 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. This extra chromosome has an impact on psychomotor, cognitive, and language development. In most cases, the diagnosis of Down syndrome is made according to results from a chromosome test administered shortly after birth.
INCIDENCE
A child with Down syndrome is
born in one of 1000 live births.
It is historically associated with "advanced" maternal age, age over 35
years, but improved health and longevity may have an impact on that data.
One in 80 infants with Down syndrome have biological mothers older than 40 years.
Parents of any age may have a child with Down
syndrome.
There is no association between Down syndrome and any given culture, ethnic group,
socioeconomic status, or geographic region.
Small skull
Slanting, almond-shaped eyes
Flat-bridged nose
Palmar crease
Short stature, short fingers, toes, limbs, and neck
Tendency to be overweight
Small oral cavity, which makes tongue look large and protruding
Possible delays in reflex integration
Significant delay in acquisition of major motor milestones
Hypotonia, with associated tendency to have loose joints and difficulty with
subluxation and dislocation
Floppy Infant Syndrome during infancy
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Individuals with Down syndrome have a tendency to have atlanto-axial instability, a condition in which there is increased mobility between the first and second cervical vertebrae. Studies suggest this condition occurs in 15% of children with Down syndrome. AAI is usually diagnosed with X-rays of the cervical spine; these X-rays are necessary, because typically there are no symptoms associated with AAI. |
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When symptoms occur they are typically associated with subluxation ?a partial dislocation ?of the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae. These include: |
Changes in bowl or bladder function
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
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Have X-rays on file (school nurse's office, Special Olympics office, recreation center, etc.) prior to participation in physical activity. |
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Teacher, coach, or recreation director should communicate with the student or athlete's parent(s) and physician. |
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It is suggested that students and athletes with Down syndrome be restricted from participation in gymnastics, diving, the butterfly stroke in swimming, the high jump, "heading" in soccer, and any warm-up exercise which places pressure on the muscles of the neck. Note: A physician may clear a student or athlete to participate. |
Use strong visual, tactile,
auditory, and kinesthetic stimuli as clues.
Use a systematic, structured style of instruction.
Use short one-word and two-word verbal instructions.
Use demonstration as an effective instructional tool.
Provide opportunities for choice of activities to encourage decision making skills.
A whole-part-whole instructional strategy may help learners process information.
Peer partners may be helpful in the learning environment.
"Catch
'em being good."
Links
Recommended Down Syndrome Web Sites
Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained.
With thanks to the TWU Master's Level Course, "Issues in Adapted Physical Education," taught by Kerrie Berends, Summer, 1998. Edited by Carol Huettig, Ph.D., Fall, 1998.