The Impact of Down Syndrome on Your Child
Down syndrome is a developmental disability usually diagnosed at birth or in infancy. It caused by an extra chromosome in the individual. While there are typically 46 chromosomes, individuals with Down syndrome have 47. The disorder is genetic, and initially diagnosed by physical features, including slanted eyes, and a flat face. ("Down syndrome," 2010)
Along with specific facial features, children with Down syndrome may have other physical characteristics. Children with this disability tend to be hypotonic, meaning low muscle tone. They may appear "floppy", or extremely flexible. ("Down syndrome," 2010). This can lead to postural instability and decreased functional ability in children. Fine motor skills may be delayed, which assists in activities such as handwriting, and manipulating small objects. About 40% of children with Down
syndrome are born with a congenital heart defect. These defects may range from
mild to extremely severe. Children with Down syndrome may also experience
respiratory problems, thyroid abnormalities, and intestinal issues. Vision and
hearing deficits are also common and may require glasses or hearing aids.
(Kathleen Fergus, 2009).
Relating to their hearing deficits, children with Down syndrome frequently experience delays involving their auditory short-term memory. Decreased ability to take in what you are hearing, will lead to a delay in processing information, which may be frustrating for a child. Delays involving auditory short-term memory are often associated with the child's cognition and may lead to anxiety and depression. Children with Down syndrome have also been linked to delays in language skills. A child's language skills are associated with their communication skills with others;
therefore their verbal communication may be affected as well. Children with Down
syndrome will typically speak slowly and in short sentences. (down-syndrome.org). Many individuals with Down syndrome have shown signs of self- talking. While this may not be present in all indivuals with Down syndrome, it may be an effective
method of processing information for many children as well as adults. (Kathleen
Fergus, 2009).
While children with Down syndrome may experience these physical and cognitive characteristics, they are fully capable of reaching or maintaining their own independence. While children of all abilities may not be completely independent at this age group, it is important to gain the skills to be successful in their school and play activities.
Along with specific facial features, children with Down syndrome may have other physical characteristics. Children with this disability tend to be hypotonic, meaning low muscle tone. They may appear "floppy", or extremely flexible. ("Down syndrome," 2010). This can lead to postural instability and decreased functional ability in children. Fine motor skills may be delayed, which assists in activities such as handwriting, and manipulating small objects. About 40% of children with Down
syndrome are born with a congenital heart defect. These defects may range from
mild to extremely severe. Children with Down syndrome may also experience
respiratory problems, thyroid abnormalities, and intestinal issues. Vision and
hearing deficits are also common and may require glasses or hearing aids.
(Kathleen Fergus, 2009).
Relating to their hearing deficits, children with Down syndrome frequently experience delays involving their auditory short-term memory. Decreased ability to take in what you are hearing, will lead to a delay in processing information, which may be frustrating for a child. Delays involving auditory short-term memory are often associated with the child's cognition and may lead to anxiety and depression. Children with Down syndrome have also been linked to delays in language skills. A child's language skills are associated with their communication skills with others;
therefore their verbal communication may be affected as well. Children with Down
syndrome will typically speak slowly and in short sentences. (down-syndrome.org). Many individuals with Down syndrome have shown signs of self- talking. While this may not be present in all indivuals with Down syndrome, it may be an effective
method of processing information for many children as well as adults. (Kathleen
Fergus, 2009).
While children with Down syndrome may experience these physical and cognitive characteristics, they are fully capable of reaching or maintaining their own independence. While children of all abilities may not be completely independent at this age group, it is important to gain the skills to be successful in their school and play activities.