Down Syndrome
Developmental Disability Awareness Month Series
Definition
Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. This extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges for the baby.
Characteristics
Even though people with Down syndrome might act and look similar, each person has different abilities. People with Down syndrome usually have an IQ (a measure of intelligence) in the mildly-to-moderately low range and are slower to speak than other children.
Some common physical features of Down syndrome include:
- A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose
- Almond-shaped eyes that slant up
- A short neck
- Small ears
- A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth
- Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye
- Small hands and feet
- A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)
- Small pinky fingers that sometimes curve toward the thumb
- Poor muscle tone or loose joints
- Shorter in height as children and adults
Types of Down Syndrome
- Trisomy 21: About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21. With this type of Down syndrome, each cell in the body has 3 separate copies of chromosome 21 instead of the usual 2 copies.
- Translocation Down syndrome: This type accounts for a small percentage of people with Down syndrome (about 3%). This occurs when an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present, but it is attached or “trans-located” to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21.
- Mosaic Down syndrome: This type affects about 2% of the people with Down syndrome. Mosaic means mixture or combination. For children with mosaic Down syndrome, some of their cells have 3 copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have the typical two copies of chromosome 21. Children with mosaic Down syndrome may have the same features as other children with Down syndrome. However, they may have fewer features of the condition due to the presence of some (or many) cells with a typical number of chromosomes.
Challenges in the Classroom
Students with Down syndrome may:
- need to go to the school nurse for medications when necessary
- miss class time due to frequent doctor visits
- have behavior issues
- need visual and auditory accommodations for classroom instruction
- require physical, occupational, and speech therapies
- need extra time and assistance with classwork
- require therapeutic staff support in the classroom
Strategies that Teachers Can Use
- Students with Down syndrome can have a range of abilities. They can learn and develop new skills throughout their lives, but reach goals at a different pace. Remember to focus on the individual and learn firsthand about his or her capabilities and special needs.
- Be aware of any medical concerns associated with Down syndrome that are specific to your student.
- Students with Down syndrome are often enrolled in mainstream education systems and enjoy participating with peers in all kinds of classroom activities. Encourage physical fitness and involvement in all school activities, as well as extracurricular programs.
- Realize that you can make a big difference in your student's life. Learn the student's interests so you can create opportunities for success in school.
Books for Kids About Down Syndrome (located in our Disability Acceptance Library)
More Alike Than Different: A Down Syndrome Awareness Tale by Gail Hamblin
47 Strings. Tessa’s Special Code by Becky Carey
A children’s picture book about the remarkable lessons to be learned from a little girl named Tessa, who was born with Down syndrome. 47 Strings is a beautifully illustrated book for children of all ages.
The Prince Who Was Just Himself by Silke Schnee
The royal couple is looking forward to their third child. “He looks a little different,” muses the king at Prince Noah’s arrival. “He is not like the others,” agrees the queen. Soon they notice what a very special person he is, even though he can’t do everything his brothers can.
When the youngest prince disarms the cruel knight Scarface, the nation’s most dreaded enemy, with an act of compassion, everyone finally realizes how good it is that each person is unique.
This delightfully illustrated fairy tale for children three years and older instills an appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
Mission: The National Down Syndrome Society is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome.
This resource explains what Down Syndrome is, how common it is, it’s history, the different types, Trisomy 21 and Mosaicism, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, both prenatally and at birth, and how it is genetic but may not be caused by heredity. This is very informative for parents or caretakers of an individual with Down Syndrome to read. This site even has commonly asked questions that guardians can refer to. Teachers can also gain valuable information by looking over the Preferred Language Guide found on this site. This guide lays out how a person should refer to Down Syndrome and how people with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first; ex. Tommy is a child with Down Syndrome (NDSS, n.d.). This information can be found under the tab “About Down Syndrome” along with general facts about Down Syndrome. Different stages of life with Down Syndrome can be found under this tab as well such as information for new and expectant families, information about education, employment, community integration, health care, and research, wellness, and economic self-sufficiency.
Email: info@ndss.org
Website: https://www.ndss.org/
Location: 8 East 41st Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
Phone: 800-221-4602
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NDSS1979/
Twitter: @NDSS
@ndssorg
@zachv_pat@benjmcintosh
@one.earth
@kendallandcallie
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10 businesses created and inspired by individuals with Down syndrome
1. Sweet Heat Jam Co. was created by Nolan who happens to have Down syndrome. Nolan’s business has grown to produce over 5,000 jars of jam a year. Sweet Heat Jam also started a culinary program to help other young adults with intellectual disabilities!
2. Collettey’s is changing the world, one cookie at a time. Collette is an individual with Down syndrome and after being turned down in many job interviews, she decided to pursue her passion for baking. She now employs 13 individuals with disabilities and speaks frequently about how the disability community is often overlooked.
3. Da Bomb was created by Morgan Tibbens who is a young woman with Down syndrome who is active in the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and opened Da Bomb to sell bathtub fragrances.
4. John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son business with a social and retail mission of spreading happiness in the world. Check out John’s Crazy Socks to meet John, a young man with Down syndrome who believes in giving back as his business donates five percent of their earnings to the Special Olympics!
5. Brittany’s Baskets of Hope is dedicated to supporting families in welcoming a new baby with Down syndrome into their lives. The mission is to provide guidance and information for parents and gifts for siblings.
6. Megology was created by Megan Bomgaars, who is an artist, entrepreneur, and public speaker. Her products include t-shirts that feature her motto of “Don’t limit me.”
7. Group Hug Apparel was started by Andrew Banar who has Down syndrome and other associated health issues. Andrew wanted to raise money to go to college so he started with a lemonade stand but his mom encouraged him to use his rock & roll drawings on printed t-shirts instead and they grew from there!
8. Poppin Joe’s Gourmet Kettle Corn was established by Joe, a young adult with Down syndrome who wanted to have his own business. With the support of his family, you can find Joe’s kettle corn in Walmart, fairs, and more in Kansas and Georgia!
9. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is more than just a cup of coffee. The Wrights have four children with the youngest Bitty and Beau both have Down syndrome. Bitty & Beau’s coffee continues to grow with their third shop opening this month and they currently employ 60 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
10. Blake’s Snow Shack started with snow cones and then it snowballed to nationwide media attention of Blake Pyron and his ambition to own his own business and not be held back by his Down syndrome.
JES Disability Acceptance Library
References
Facts about down syndrome. (2020, December 28). https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html#ref.
Gavin, M. L. (Ed.). (2018, June). Down Syndrome Factsheet (for Schools) (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/down-syndrome-factsheet.html.