Intellectual Impairment-

Down Syndrome
Significantly sub average general intellectual functioning,
existing at the same time as deficits in adaptive behavior, that
is manifested during development, and adversely affects a
child's educational performance. (IDEA, 2004)
1. Down Syndrome (DS) Defined
Babies born with DS have an extra copy of
chromosome 21, also known as Trisomy 21. The extra
chromosome affects a child's brain and body
development, causing intellectual and developmental
delays, along with an increased risk for a variety of
medical complications. (CDC, 2021)

2. History of DS
In 1866, an English physician John Langdon Down
published the first accurate description of an
individual with DS. In 1959, medical and scientific
advances led to the identification of DS as a
chromosomal condition by French physician Jérôme
Lejeune. (NDSS, n.d.)

3. Physical Characteristics
DS is identified either at birth or during pregnancy
a short neck, and small hands with short fingers
small ears, mouth, and nose, with a flattened nasal
bridge
Short, stocky arms and legs
Low muscle tone throughout the body
Upward slanting eyes (BCH, n.d.)

4. Causes
The extra chromosome 21 or Trisomy 21
Maternal age of 35 years or older upon conception
(CDC, 2021)
5. Neurological Aspects
Children with DS have an increased risk for:
Congenital heart defects
Respiratory, hearing, and vision problems
Alzheimer's disease
Childhood leukemia
Thyroid conditions (NDSS, n.d.)

6. Educational Implications
Academically: Challenges with executive functioning,
attention, memory, verbal expression, fine and gross
motor skills, reading, and writing
Socially: Challenges following rules, understanding
consequences, and problem-solving
Behaviorally: Children with DS are often stubborn
and impulsive which can lead to temper tantrums or
outbursts (BCH, n.d.)

7. Educational Accommodations
1. Preferential seating near the point of instruction
2. Access to 1-1 or paraprofessional for support
3. Provide visuals, models, and examples
4. Redirection to the task at hand
5. Review, repeat and clarify directions
6. Allow extra time to process information and
respond