Down Syndrome

Jenifer Tapia Tirado

Fresno Pacific University
ECD 440
What causes Down Syndrome
- You cannot “catch” Down syndrome
- Everyone who has Down syndrome was born with it and will always have it.
- Down syndrome affects people from all around the world, and both boys and girls can be born with
it.
- Approximately 1 in 700 babies born in the United States has Down syndrome.
How to Refer

- Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be

- “a child with Down syndrome.”
- Also avoid “Down’s child”
 Education
- Children with Down syndrome educated in mainstream schools are
gaining considerable benefits in academic skills, communication
skills and social independence.
- Provide information, resources and support to parents.
- Ensure Individuals with Down syndrome receive a quality
education.
- Help prepare them for further education, employment and/or
independent living.
- Pre-teach activities before class.
- Make the appropriate Modification or Accommodation
Social and Emotional Development
- Motor skills develop at a slower rate
- Reduce infants opportunities for exploring and learning about the world
- Takes longer to retain skills
- Need social and emotional support from family and peers
 Educational Challenges

- Most children with Down syndrome struggle with basic number skills
- Number skills are typically some 2 years behind their reading skills.
- Create Modification changes in regards to materials, handouts, and tests, so they
match the language abilities of the child.
- Research suggests that people with Down syndrome learn better when they can see
things illustrated.
“Where hope Grows” Global Perspective
“Calvin Campbell is a former professional baseball Africa
- Where babies with down syndrome are called
player sent to an early retirement due to his panic
“the devil child”.
attacks at the plate. Even though he had all the talent - Gaps in knowledge
for the big leagues, he struggles with the curveballs life - Many children with Down syndrome are
has thrown him” excluded
- Special treatment for the mentally ill and for
“Faith, work, purpose and most importantly family, people with intellectual disabilities is usually
blossom into Calvin’s life as their friendship develops. non-existent
The unlikely pair becomes intertwined giving Calvin’s
life new meaning and purpose”
References
Bagheri, S, Cantillo, J, Chakraborty, M, Singh, S.(Producers) & Dowling, C (Director). 2014.

Where Hope Grows [Motion Picture]. United States: Lionsgate productions.

Crosta, P. (2017, December 06). Down syndrome: Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. Retrieved

from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145554.php

Exceptional Lives Enhanced Pearson Etext Access Card Special Education in Today's Schools.

(2015). Pearson College Div.

'The Devil Child': Down Syndrome in Sierra Leone. (2017, January 17). Retrieved from https://face2faceafrica.com/article/down-

syndrome-sierra-leone

What is Down Syndrome? | National Down Syndrome Society. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.ndss.org/about-down-syndrome/down-syndrome/