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About Education, Development & Community Life of down syndrome children

About Education, Development & Community Life

  

 

Like all people, individuals with Down syndrome learn and develop at their own rate and in their own way. People with Down syndrome have varied goals for their futures and individual expectations of their roles in the family, school and community. Down syndrome is not a blueprint for potential or a prescription for a given educational or life plan.

However, people with Down syndrome often experience mild to moderate delays in their cognitive and physical development and research has shown that educational and therapeutic interventions (such as early intervention services) can greatly benefit learners with Down syndrome. Careful consideration, supports and early planning are often necessary to facilitate employment and community life.

  

This section includes information about education, development and community life across the lifespan.

Myths and Truths

Myths and Truths

Myth: Down syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. Truth: Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 691 live births is a child with Down syndrome, representing approximately 6,000 births per year in the United States alone. Today, more than 400,000 people in the United States have Down syndrome. Myth: People with Down syndrome have a short life span. Truth: Life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent years, with the average life expectancy approaching that of peers without Down syndrome. Myth: Most children with Down syndrome are born to older parents. Truth: Most children with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35 years old simply because younger women have more children. However, the incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. Myth: People with Down syndrome are severely “retarded.” Truth: Most people with Down syndrome have IQs that fall in the mild to moderate range of intellectual disability (formerly known as “retardation”). Children with Down syndrome fully participate in public and private educational programs. Educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome. Myth: Most people with Down syndrome are institutionalized. Truth: Today people with Down syndrome live at home with their families and are active participants in the educational, vocational, social, and recreational activities of the community. They are integrated into the regular education system and take part in sports, camping, music, art programs and all the other activities of their communities. People with Down syndrome are valued members of their families and their communities, contributing to society in a variety of ways. Myth: Parents will not find community support in bringing up their child with Down syndrome. Truth: In almost every community of the United States there are parent support groups and other community organizations directly involved in providing services to families of individuals with Down syndrome. Myth: Children with Down syndrome must be placed in segregated special education programs. Truth: Children with Down syndrome have been included in regular academic classrooms in schools across the country. In some instances they are integrated into specific courses, while in other situations students are fully included in the regular classroom for all subjects. The current trend in education is for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community. Increasingly, individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with regular diplomas, participate in post-secondary academic and college experiences and, in some cases, receive college degrees. Myth: Adults with Down syndrome are unemployable. Truth: Businesses are seeking young adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are being employed in small- and medium-sized offices: by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, childcare, the sports field and in the computer industry. People with Down syndrome bring to their jobs enthusiasm, reliability and dedication. Myth: People with Down syndrome are always happy. Truth: People with Down syndrome have feelings just like everyone else in the population. They experience the full range of emotions. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior. Myth: Adults with Down syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationships leading to marriage. Truth: People with Down syndrome date, socialize, form ongoing relationships and marry. Myth: Down syndrome can never be cured. Truth: Research on Down syndrome is making great strides in identifying the genes on chromosome 21 that cause the characteristics of Down syndrome. Scientists now feel strongly that it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome in the future.

Down Syndrome in Adults: Staying Healthy

What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes mental retardation and physical defects. It is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 21. This condition is called trisomy 21.

Are regular check-ups with a doctor necessary?

Adults who have Down syndrome need regular health care. Perhaps you have an adult child, brother or sister who has Down syndrome. Your relative needs the same preventive care as an adult who doesn't have Down syndrome. Also help your relative get checked for special medical problems that are more common in people who have Down syndrome. For example, a doctor should check your relative for thyroid disease, arthritis and problems with vision, hearing and the cervical spine.

How can I help my relative with Down syndrome lead a full life?

With a little planning, your relative can lead a more independent life. Common things to plan for include the following:

• Housing options such as group homes, supervised independent living or family-owned independent housing. It's good to make plans for your relative to live independent of you.
• Work options such as sheltered workshops, supported employment and regular employment, with or without a job coach. Employment and social activities add increased meaning to life and may encourage responsible independence in your relative.
• Recreation options such as adult day care, the Special Olympics and other activities that involve exercise, hobbies and interests.
• Special estate planning, education beyond high school and self-help training.

My older relative who has Down syndrome is having some new problems. Could it be Alzheimer's disease?

Symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease (a kind of dementia) occur at an earlier age in people who have Down syndrome (usually in their 30s). These symptoms include memory loss and personality changes. Don't immediately assume that the change in your relative is caused by dementia. There may be another reason for the change in behavior. Talk to his or her doctor about your concerns.

Some behavior changes	Possible cause
Talks to self	Stress; some self talk is normal
Withdrawal	Depression, stress, medical problem
Aggression	Depression, stress, medical problem