Down Syndrome
What is Dow Syndrome?
Down Syndrome (DS) as known as Trisomy 21 is a condition in which an extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops both mentally and physically. It affects about 1 in every 800 babies born in the United States.
What causes it?
No one knows the real reason for why DS occurs. But scientist do know that women age 35 and older have a higher risk of having a child with the condition.
Physical Signs of DS
- decreased or poor muscle tone
- short neck, with excess skin at the back of the neck
- Flattened facial profile and nose
- small head, ears, and mouth
- upward slanting eyes, often with a a skin fold that comes out from the upper eyelid and covers the inner corner of the eye.
DS Effects
- Thyroid problem
- Hearing problems
- heart disease
- eye problems
- seizure disorders
- bone, muscle, nerve, or joint problems
- immune system problems
Identifying DS
Down syndrome can be identified with a blood test and an ultrasound test during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Teacher Strategies
- Teachers shouldn't treat children with down syndrome differently just because they have a disability.
- Children with down syndrome learn better by being shown pictures or being read too.
- Teachers should expect better behavior, attitude from the children.