Down Syndrome

Sierra Condon Intro to Special Ed 214 Professor Lara

What is Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is caused when prior to or at conception, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, the extra chromosome is replicated in every cell of the body. Which makes it a genetic condition. There are three types of Down Syndrome they are; Trisomy 21, Mosaicism, and Translocation.

Symptoms & Characteristics

The symptoms of Down Syndrome are; temporary or permanent hearing loss, impaired vision, underdeveloped immune system, heart defects, neck instability, fine motor skills, varying degrees of poor muscle tone., poor motor planning, problems with the intestines, eyes, thyroid, and skeleton. The Characteristics of Down Syndrome are; small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Flat appearing face small head flat bridge of the nose smaller than normal, low-set nose small mouth, which causes the tongue to stick out and to appear overly large upward slanting eyes. Extra folds of skin located at the corner of each eye, near the nose. Rounded cheeks Small, misshapen ears, small wide hands the a malformed fifth finger. A wide space between the big and second toes. Unusual creases on the soles of the feet. Overly flexible joints (sometimes being referred to as double jointed). Shorter than normal height.

Statics
One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making Down syndrome the most common genetic condition. Approximately 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome and about 6,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year. Down syndrome probability increases with advanced age in mothers. However, since younger women have more babies, 80% of newborns with Down syndrome in the US are born to mothers under 35 years old. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. 40 to 50% of children with Down syndrome have congenital heart defects in the US (Association for Children with Down Syndrome)

Teaching Strategies
One of the best strategies is to have full inclusion. Sit the student appropriately so he/she can see and hear the teacher (i.e. close to the speaker) and not be looking into bright light coming in from a window. Give instructions in small stages, e.g....."Get the book" ... wait for the student to carry out the instruction, then ... "Go to the table...". Rules should be limited in number, simple and demonstrated to the student and be in black and white terms, e.g.. "No kicking ... time out". Teach the same skill in a variety of situations. Give only one or two directions at a time. Have appropriate follow-up activities on hand for the student to access.

Adaptive/Assistive Technology
I pads are newer assistive technology being used in schools today. Especially the newer apps being used like; talking baby hippo that help kids with Down Syndrome by encouraging early speech sounds through vocally interacting with the character. Another app is called letter school-learn correct handwriting techniques through a fun multiple step approach of letter/number introduction, modeling with tracing followed by independent writing in free-form. Another app is Dexteria-Set of hand exercises that improve fine motor skills and handwriting readiness. Smart Boards Dynavox

New and Current Laws

President Barack Obama signs Rosas Law (s.2781) requiring the removal of the words mental retardation and mentally retarded from federal laws. This is a replication of a law adopted in Maryland after Rosa Marcellinos family worked to pass legislation in the Maryland General Assembly. The Down Syndrome Information Act it details-The law requires that when any health care provider delivers a test result for Down syndrome, they are to provide resources made available through the Department of Public Health. The law was passed 3/14/13 IDEA, the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, is our nations special education law. The IDEA guides how states, school districts, and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.

Family & Community Resources

http://friendsoffredco.org/ F.R.I.E.N.D.S.-A Down Syndrome Advocacy Group based in Fredrick County, Maryland F.R.I.E.N.D.S. P.O. Box 641 Middletown, MD. 21769 Angels Forever Up! P.O. Box 868 Waldorf, Maryland 20601 http://angelsforeverup.org/index.shtml 240- 412-1922 Anne Arundel County Down Syndrome Connection Anne Arundel Medical Center Sajak Pavilion, Room 250, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 888-279-2279 http://www.downsyndromeconnection.com/

Im not a Downs. I am a person with Down syndrome ... Down syndrome is just something I have, not who I am. Share the Journey, 2007 Calendar Down Syndrome Ireland

Pictures

References
Leach. M. W. (2013, September 23). Doctors to provide Down Syndrome resources under new law. Medical news for you. Retrieved February 8,2014.http://www.medicalnews4you.com/doctors-to-provide-down-syndromeresources-under-new-law/ ((n.d.)). Retrieved from February 8, 2014 http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/d/down_syndrome/stats.htm

((n.d.)). Retrieved from February 8, 2014 http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/d/down_syndrome/stats.htm