Lizzie Velten

Activity: Painting

Sources:

What is Down Syndrome?: National Down Syndrome Society. (2021, May 24). Retrieved

from https://www.ndss.org/about-down-syndrome/down-syndrome/

Marton, H. (2019, August 08). 5 things people with Down syndrome want you to know.

Retrieved from

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/5-things-people-with-down-syndrome-want-you-to-know

Equipment: Mixed media paper/canvas, paintbrushes, paint tray, an assortment of paints, cup of

water, paper towels.

Description: The goal of this activity is to allow the participant to paint whatever they desire. Art

provides a way to express many different emotions as well as provides many more therapeutic

benefits. During this activity, the participant will be asked to just paint whatever they are feeling

in the moment or whatever they have an urge to paint. As painting is a form of self-expression,

there are no set rules or guidelines as to what is needed to be completed other than an attempt to

explain why they chose to paint what they did.

1. Gather all materials and lay them out at the table for each individual participant.

2. Explain the instructions for the project and make sure everyone is aware that they are to

paint whatever they desire or what they want to express.

3. Give the participants the signal to start their paintings

4. Answer any questions anyone may have about what they need to paint or what materials

are best for their project.

5. Make sure to encourage the participants and compliment each of their progress.
 6. As everyone finishes their paintings, allow them to explain their art and why they chose

to paint what they did. Ask how they felt before painting and if they feel any different

after whether that be positive or negative.

Primary Social Interaction Patterns: As stated before, art is created and presented by every

individual in their personal way. By providing an open canvas, the participant is able to create

whatever they want as a way to express their thoughts and emotions if communicating verbally

can be a struggle at times. Many people find it difficult to verbally express what they are feeling

so painting gives them an opportunity to transform their thoughts into art. This activity can be

done alone or with a group of people, but every individual has their own project to paint.

Adaptation: Down Syndrome occurs when a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome

21 in their gene composition which results in different physical and cognitive attributes than

someone with the typical 23 pairs of chromosomes. As Down Syndrome presents in many

different forms, each individual will have their own areas in which they may or may not need

adaptations in to form to their capabilities. Many people diagnosed with Down Syndrome have

signs of some level of cognitive impairment whether it be through a speech impediment,

obsessive-compulsive behavior, or depression and anxiety. For this activity, there will be no time

limit or guidelines to follow as this will be solely on individual expression and their ability to

transform their thoughts and feelings into art. If any questions arise during the activity, the

instructor will always be available to help and assist the participant in their project but the goal

of this activity is to have them express themselves in a non-verbal manner.

Participant: 45-year-old man with Down Syndrome -- Moderate cognitive impairment, heart

defect, and obesity.