Down Syndrome

Team: Back Row – Derek, Jordan, Samantha, Amanda, Natashia

Meet Casey
•I may need help some of the time but I
don’t need help all of the time

•I will need time to process and practice

new things

•I like to be treated respectfully

•I will be a capable adult if you treat me as a
capable student

•I have dreams, aspirations, perceptions, and

fears just as everyone else

•Please do not judge everything I can and cannot

do based upon my Down syndrome
Objectives:

•What is Down syndrome?

•How does Down syndrome affect
learning?
•Where can teachers go for help?
 Definition:

•Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects

the physical and mental development of many people.

•It is not a disease or sickness, nor is it contagious.

•Currently there are no known prevention methods, and

anyone can be born with it.

•There is no cure for Down syndrome.

 Key Terms:

•Chromosome
•Trisomy 21
•MSAFP (Maternal Serum Alpha-
Fetoprotein)
 Identifying Characteristics:
The eyes have an upward and outward slant
Epicanthal fold (extra skin on the inner side of the eye)
Flatter profile of face
Smaller than average head size
Ears are smaller and lower set
Small mouth and thinner lips – which leads to a
protruding tongue
Cognitive delays
Other health concerns / issues
www.babies-and-sign-language.com
Prevalence:

Age 30 – 1/900
Age 35 – 1/350
Age 40 – 1/100
 Criteria:

•Prenatal Screening
•Physical Characteristics
How does Down syndrome affect learning?

Self-Esteem
Intellectual
Short attention spans
Distractibility
Speech and Language
Behavior
Interesting Facts about Down syndrome:
•First described by British doctor, John Langdon Down in
1887.
•Advances in modern medicine have greatly decreased infant
mortality for children with Down syndrome.
•There is no way to tell at birth what a child with Down
syndrome will be capable of as they grow and mature.
•Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) has the potential to aid in the
development of all children including those with Down
syndrome.
 General Services & Advocacy
NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society)
http://www.ndss.org
CDSS (Canadian Down Syndrome Society)
http://www.cdss.ca

MDSS (Manitoba Down Syndrome Society)

http://www.manitobadownsyndromesociety.com/

PREP (pride respect empowerment progress)

http://www.prepprog.org/
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 Reflection

One thing I learned about Down syndrome.

One resource available to teachers of

students with Down syndrome.
Thank You