DOWN SYNDROME
SOME OF MY
CHARACTERISTICS:
Low Muscle Tone
Down Syndrome individuals are unemployable?
FALSE
Down Syndrome individuals are not always happy?
TRUE
Down Syndrome individuals have severe cognitive delay?
FALSE
Down Syndrome is hereditary and runs in the family?
FALSE
Description
Individuals who have down syndrome are special in their own unique way. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delay in physical and intellectual development. Race, nationality, religion or socio-econmic science is not related to Down Syndrome. These individuals have an additional copy of the "21" chromosome, so overall they have 47 chromosomes, instead of the usual 46. This is caused by the abnormality in the persons chromosomes. Currently, every 1 in 733 babies born each year is diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
Flat Facial Features
Small, abnormally shaped ears
TRUE OR FALSE?
Upward slant to eyes
Small skin folds on the inner corner of eyes
COMMUNICATION:
Some of these individuals have difficulty communicating, and can get discouraged and frustrated easily if someone doesn't understand them. The participants family members often mix language with speech to encourage communication to improve development.
CAN BE GOOD COMMUNICATORS:
Sign Language
Text to Speech Talker
Body Langauge
Ways To Ensure The Individual is Successful In The Program
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Modify games so that your participant can get involved in activities
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Make yourself likeable! Be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude (They are able to sense it and feed off it)
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Communicate with your participant
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Advocate for them if they don't understand a task
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Praise them when they are doing something great!!!
Hyper flexibility
Relatively small mouth
One deep crease across the centre of palm
Space between their big toe and second toe
Health and Medical Challenges:
- Infections: including respiratory infections and bladder and skin infections
- Heart Defects
- Increased Risk of Developing Leukaemia
- Thyroid Disorders
- Hearing Issues: 80% of children with DS experience hearing loss
- Difficulty with Vision
- Sleep Problems: including Sleep Apnea
- Dementia
- Anxiety
Also, they can also face additional challenges:
- Discrimination: not getting an equal job opportunity
CHALLENGES:
BEHAVIOURS
... you may see
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May be Stubborn at times, important to bring them out of their shell
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AGGRESSIVE Behaviours
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Wandering/Running Off
-
Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviours
HOW TO HANDLE AND DIFFUSE SITUATIONS
Patience is key, take the time to understand your participant and their needs, this can diffuse a situation from escalating. Also, if you are having a hard time getting your participant to listen, break it down into steps. Eg. "First make craft, then we will go swimming"
Nothing Can Stop Me!
