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A child without Down Syndrome has 46 chromosomes- 23 from the mother
- 23 from the father
A child with DS has an EXTRA 21 chromosomes
A total of 47 chromosomes
- A Child without DS - A child with DS
There are three types of Down Syndrome: Trisomy 21 Translocation Down Syndrome Mosaic Down Syndrome
Which has to do with
where the chromosomes
are placed.
The EXTRA genetic materials (chromosomes), cause delays both mentally and physically.
A child with Down syndrome
Different Characteristics
A broad flat face Slanted eyes Short nose Small low set ears Small mouth with
protruded tongue
http://www.healthbama.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/downsyndrome1.jpg
Usually short Small but broad hands and feet They usually have hypotonia (poor muscle
tone) Joints are hyper flexible They may have mild to moderate mental
retardation
What Medical Problems Are Associated with Down Syndrome?
Coeliac disease Dental disease Developmental delays Diabetes Food sensitivities
5-10%may have gastrointestinal abnormalities
75% may have hearing loss Close to 50% may have heart defects and
disease 50-75% have sleep apnea
Health Statistics
Increased respiratory and ear infections Increased colds, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and
pneumonia Higher risk of childhood leukemia Seizure disorders Spinal cord compression Thyroid disease approx. 15% Pre mature aging - Alzheimer’s type symptoms <40yrs old
Implications For Development
As well as medical implications, there a delays in various areas of development associated with Down Syndrome.
According to The Down Syndrome Association of Victoria “Everyone with Down syndrome will experience some delay in their development and some level of learning disability, but the extent and specific areas of delay vary from one individual to another” (Better Health Victoria, 2000, Para. 8)
Age Appropriate goals Primary school development
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Down_syndrome_explained?OpenDocument
An Overview of Developmental progress from 5-11years in Children with Down Syndrome
http://www.down-syndrome.org/information/development/childhood/?page=3
The Communicating Child It is believed that Speech and Language development provide the greatest
developmental delay. Ability to understand speech however difficulties expressing speech Use gestures and signs to communicate non verbally from a young age.
Sue Buckley describes the delay: “Spoken language skills are usually delayed relative to the children's non-verbal ability and this suggests a profile of specific language impairment.” (Buckley S, 2000, Para. 2)
The 75% rate hearing loss in children with down syndrome may play a part in this delay.
Once talking, correct use of speech communication is used Difficulties with grammar and clear speech Class Tone and grammar exercise May experience difficulties with Syntax -the order of words and elements related to
structure in sentences.
http://www.down-syndrome.org/information/language/overview
Healthy Physically Active Child delays
Feeding/ eating at a young age Co ordination and balance Hypotonic (Low muscle tone) Increased difficulty with posture (Spinal
Cord Compression) Gross motor mile stones are variable
for example a child with DS might begin to walk around two or may not walk until the age of four or five.
Increased heart and health issues may make the body weak at times adding delay to this area of development A child with Down
Syndrome sitting with back support
The Thinking Child
Low short term memory skills compared to typically developing children at the same age
inhibitory processes in learning (delayed thought process)
chronological age vs. mental age
Putting it into Perspective (Mental Age) To the Early Childhood Field A study was performed by Clinical Linguistics &
Phonetics, titled Patterns of Syntactic Development in Children with and with out Down's syndrome.
It was found that a child with DS may be 8.7 years old with a Mental age of 4.6yrs. The study states that the average typical developing child who is chronologically 4.4 has a mental age of 5.0. (Joffe, Victoria – Varlokosta, Spyridoula 2007, Para. 1)
Therefore in an early childhood setting we need to be aware of this and support children's developmental abilities.
http://www.eric.ed.gov
Statement Made By Father of a Child with Down Syndrome “My son Stan is six, and he cannot talk, but he
communicates very well using the Makaton sign-language system. At times, you’d think he has the abilities of a three year-old, but on another occasion, he’ll help make breakfast and lay the table. His care and attention to people’s feelings is startling and the sort of thing you expect from a twelve-year-old. I’m so excited about what Stan can achieve.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/messageboards/F8146589?thread=5345002
The Social Child
Interactions with others implicated due to language expression barrier at a young age
Generally display more solitary play as well as onlooker play
The Feeling Child Can switch emotions very quickly Can express emotions in a variety of ways Delayed understanding of what feelings are and
may express this through behaviour
The Creative Child
There are no identified implications for this area of development, however the expression of creative development may be stalled due to cognitive delay in the process of thought. Therefore this may be the link to the imagination of the experience to applying it.
The Childs Sense of Self Links with the delay of cognitive development Sense of self is identified and expressed at a later age
The Spiritual and Moral Child
Children may take longer to understand the desired and appropriate behaviour and therefore understanding right from wrong.
Links back to ‘mental’ age. Children with Down Syndrome are at higher risk
of medical complications such as ADD which may result in a developmental delay in this area.
Linking Spiritual and Cognitive Development The NSW Curriculum framework links the
development of spirituality with cognitive development. “This sense evolves along with cognitive development and increasing capacities to take the perspective of others and to appreciate the impact of ones own behaviour on other people.” (Department of Community Services p. 72)
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au
Adapting A Children's Service To Support a Child with Down Syndrome Avoid having foods at the centre that the child may have allergies to
as there may be food sensitivities.
Support in language expression- language cards, knowledge and use of of sign language and symbols that the child and their family may use to communicate with the child.
Extra resources for stimulation and strengthening of muscle development added to centre program. This includes adapting play resources to create equal opportunities. E.g. have available a wider beam as well as balance beam at a lower level.
Additional needs support resources such as back supportive chairs and railings down ramps.
Support the family and other families at the centre with resources and services regarding the additional need. This could be brochures and books.
Ensure all staff have knowledge of aspects of Down Syndrome as well as how to communicate with the child at a level the child is going to understand.
Offer extra support in areas such as meal times, helping the child to eat due to low muscle tone.
Working With Families
Work together to form a partnership with families and create a consistent care giving routine at the centre and at home. E.g. communication book, meetings and phone calls, and open door policies.
This coincides with QIAS Accreditation Principle 2.1 which states “Staff and families communicate effectively to exchange information about each child and the centre”. (NCAC, 2006 p. 6)
Benefits of having partnerships with families who have a child with down syndrome include- support network for family and staff members, constant feedback on development as well as a consistency with care routines and providing best possible support for the child. Also the child will feel secure when trusting caregiver and development enhanced when families and staff work together.
http://www.ncac.gov.au/resources/qias_pub.asp
Living With Down Syndrome from a Parents Perspectivehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEBlSOotC2A Parents of three children with Down Syndrome
discuss their experiences and challenges. Tips are also discussed which are important to
adapt to in an early childhood setting to ensure the best support and development.
This includes gross motor activity important to a program and the importance of supplying healthy nutrition due to 15% speed of the metabolism for a non- down syndrome child.
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