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Down Syndrome Developmental Scale
Down Syndrome Developmental Scale
Children
with
Down Syndrome
It is important to point out that all children, even Developmental Scale for Children with Down
typically developing children, do not look alike. Syndrome
Each child is different and progresses at his or
her own rate: each presents with particular The Developmental Scale for Children with
strengths and demonstrates inherited Down Syndrome begins at Birth and increases in
weaknesses. This, of course, is the same for 4 months steps until age 24 months, at this point
children with Down syndrome. It is hard to just it progresses in 12-month steps. The Scale ends
present a picture of what a child with Down when the child is just turning 6 years of age (or
syndrome looks like at a particular age. A lot 71 months). The reason for the difference in the
depends upon the child’s medical and health early ages compared to the later ages is that
issues. For instance, has the child had a younger children, even children with Down
problem with hearing, especially middle ear syndrome, progress more rapidly in the younger
pathology? If so, this can slow down or affect ages than they do in the older ages. This is
the development of speech production and
especially true for motor skills as well as but, understanding of words is not really
language skills. expected yet.
It is hoped that the Developmental Scale has It is my expectation that in the next few years
provided clarification for where children with the Developmental Scale will be outdated: the
Down syndrome fit compared to typically stages will need to be altered because early and
developing peers. It is hoped that it sheds some appropriate intervention has made a difference
light on how your individual child is doing. The among children with Down syndrome. Until
value of early intervention, oral motor training, then, use the chart to determine your child’s
speech stimulation, joint-book reading, and progress and use it to help plan for the next
language training has not been discussed. It is stage.
important to realize that many children with
Scoring
DS--CDS
Extraordinary Learning Foundation
100 Meredith Drive Suite 100
Durham, NC 27713
Phone: 919-484-0012
Fax: 919-484-0081
Email: tllayton@
earthlink.net
Telephone: _____________________
________________________________________________________________
Birth to 5 months
6 – 10 months
11 – 15 months
16-20 months
9
Developmental Chart for Children with Down Syndrome
Typical Developing Children Children with Down syndrome
21 – 25 months
26-30 months
10
Developmental Chart for Children with Down Syndrome
Typical Developing Children Children with Down syndrome
31 - 35 months
36 – 40 months
11
Developmental Chart for Children with Down Syndrome
Typical Developing Children Children with Down syndrome
41-59 months
6 0 – 71 months
12
Developmental Chart for Children with Down Syndrome