Down Syndrome

BY: Ronnie Freeman

 What is it?
● Your genes carry the information that you inherit from both of your parents.
● Genes are the building blocks for everything; from eye color to how you
digest food.
● People with Down syndrome are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21,
having this extra genetic material changes the development of the individual
and brings about the characteristics that we see in people with Down
syndrome.
Causes or Cure?

● Doctors aren’t sure why Down syndrome occurs, but there is a higher
incidence of giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome if the mother’s age
is greater than 35.
● The effects that are seen range from mild to severe and can cause issues
that affect them both mentally and physically. This is a lifelong condition
that cannot be cured and it is the most common cause of birth defects.
Symptoms

Cardiac Conditions

Respiratory Problems

Hearing and Vision Problems

Higher Number of Infections

Hypothyroidism

Decreased Metabolism
Limitations

● People with Down syndrome can learn new skills like anyone else, but it may
just take them longer to master them. Milestones like walking, talking, and
developing social skills may be delayed, but still attainable.

● People with Down syndrome are at a higher risk for obesity due to
hypothyroidism and a decreased resting metabolism.
 While individuals with Down
syndrome generally have some
physical limitations they can still
participate in physical activity.

Barriers
Challenges would include obesity,
heart problems, and decreased
muscle tone.
Benefits of
Physical Activity

● Decrease obesity
levels
● Increase respiratory
capability
● Improve cardiac
function
● Build higher bone
density
● Increase muscular
strength
 Adaptations

Visuals Reduce Distractions

Posters, Videos with subtitles to reinforce Turn off noisy air conditioner, or closing
content classroom door

Concentration Feeling Comfortable

Put info into smaller portions with breaks Establish routines, perform ice-breakers, make
your teaching plan flexible
Opportunity!!!
 Opportunity in the Classroom

● Be willing and able to provide alternatives and extra time for the students
with Down syndrome to master the skills you are teaching.
● No two people are alike, and no two people with Down syndrome are alike
either, so it may take one person longer to grasp what is being taught.
● Providing the chance for feedback with small group discussions at the end
of a lesson can help foster inclusivity and promote understanding for
everyone.
 Local Opportunity
Annual Holiday Dance at Marcus Jewish Community Center

Auditioning for Mama Mia! At MJCCA Zaban-Blank Building

GiGi’s Playhouse in Atlanta offers dance, soccer, yoga, and much more.
Contraindications (potential adverse
consequences)

● It is important to keep in mind that there is only a 17 percent population of

people with Down syndrome with AAI. This is a severe cervical disorder that
may result in spinal cord injury.
References
https://www.webmd.com/children/understanding-down-syndrome-basics#1

https://lionsunitedfitness.com/5-benefits-for-athletes-with-downs-syndrome/

https://www.readandspell.com/us/modifications-for-students-with-Down-syndro
me

http://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2703&context=utk_chan
honoproj

https://gigisplayhouse.org/atlanta/programs

https://www.nchpad.org/117/910/Down~Syndrome