SOME ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT HOTLINES: SPECIAL NEEDS

DO AWARENESS
DOWNSYNDROME SA:
Treasure hunt 072 652 2377
Pop the bubble
THE STAR ACADEMY:
Dancing to music
Make up a game using a ball — you 011 440 7796
can even make one together using
cloth. Decide the best way to play
with your hands and feet
depending on the mobility of your
child.
Make a tray of water or sand for
your child to play with different
textures. You can also add toys.

THANK YOU, REA LEBOGA. “THERE NEEDS TO BE A LOT OF EMPHASIS

OFENTSE, MANDULELI AND ON WHAT A CHILD CAN DO, NOT WHAT A

CHILD CAN’T DO”
LIASHNA —DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN
 INTELLECTUAL AUTISM SPECTRUM
DOWNSYNDROME
DISABILITY DISORDER
What is Intellectual Disability?
What is Downsyndrome? What is Autism Spectum Disorder?

Intellectual disability is a term used when there are limits to

is a congenital condition that affects 1 in every 700 babies Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental
a persons ability due to deficits In their intellectual and
in the world. It is commonly referred to as Trisomy 21 disorder caused by differences in the brain.
adaptive functioning domains. The onset is during the
because of the extra chromosome 21. It is not caused by
developmental period of a child’s life. Children with
anything before or during pregnancy. Common features:
intellectual disability might have a hard time letting others
Fails to respond to his or her name or appears not to
know their wants and needs, and taking care of themselves.
There are three types of Downsyndrome: hear you at times
Intellectual disability could cause a child to learn and
1. Trisomy 21 Resists cuddling and holding, and seems to prefer
develop more slowly than other children of the same age. It
2. Translocation Downsyndrome playing alone, retreating into his or her own world
could take longer for a child with intellectual disability to
3. Mosaic Downsyndrome Has poor eye contact and lacks facial expression
learn to speak, walk, dress, or eat without help, and they
Doesn't speak or has delayed speech, or loses
could have trouble learning in school.
Common physical features: previous ability to say words or sentences
A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose Can't start a conversation or keep one going, or only
Intellectual disability can be caused by a problem that starts
Almond-shaped eyes that slant up starts one to make requests or label items
any time before a child turns 18 years old – even before birth.
A short neck Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm and may
It can be caused by injury, disease, or a problem in the brain.
Small ears use a singsong voice or robot-like speech
For many children, the cause of their intellectual disability is
A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth Repeats words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't
not known. Some of the most common known causes of
Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye understand how to use them
intellectual disability – like Down syndrome, fetal alcohol
Small hands and feet Doesn't appear to understand simple questions or
syndrome, fragile X syndrome, genetic conditions, birth
A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar directions
defects, and infections – happen before birth.
crease) Doesn't express emotions or feelings and appears
Small pinky fingers that sometimes curve toward the unaware of others' feelings
Common features:
thumb Doesn't point at or bring objects to share interest
sit up, crawl, or walk later than other children
Poor muscle tone or loose joints Inappropriately approaches a social interaction by
learn to talk later, or have trouble speaking
Shorter in height as children and adults being passive, aggressive or disruptive
find it hard to remember things
Has difficulty recognizing nonverbal cues, such as
have trouble understanding social rules
interpreting other people's facial expressions, body
have trouble seeing the results of their actions
Treatment and management postures or tone of voice.
have trouble solving problems
People with Downsyndrome live longer, healthier lives
because of improved diagnosis and treatment of Treatment:
Treatment and management
conditions.
Intellectual disability is a lifelong condition.
There is no single, standard treatment for Down No cure exists for autism spectrum disorder, and there is
Although there is currently no cure, most people can learn to
syndrome. Treatments are based on each individual's no one-size-fits-all treatment. The goal of treatment is to
improve their functioning over time. Receiving early, ongoing
physical and intellectual needs as well as his or her increase a child's ability to function by reducing autism
interventions can often improve functioning, thereby
personal strengths and limitations spectrum disorder symptoms and supporting
allowing someone to thrive.
Examples of treatments that a child may benefit from: development and learning. Early intervention during the
Most treatment plans for intellectual disability focus on the
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy preschool years can help your child learn critical social,
person’s:
Specialized education services communication, functional and behavioral skills.
strengths
Social and recreational activities
needs
Programs that offer job training and teach self-care
support needed to function
skills
additional conditions