What special learning needs do a person with down's syndrome have?

Question

Is it just delayed developmental milestones? What other needs do they have intellectually?

Answer 1

I cant answer this with an over all point of view.

My daughter has Downs syndrome she is 9.6 years old

still in nappies as has no bladder control

Her muscle tone is low, which means its difficult for her to run , she can not physically or mentally keep up with her peer group

we held her back a year in reception,

All children with Downs syndrome are unique, They do not all have the same difficulties. They are individuals, they may have similar charistics in features but not in ablities.

Most children with Downs syndrome here in the UK do attend main stream school, They learn more by visual content then by text book  

My daughter has her own PC in school with software supplied by downsed which is a great place to contact for more over all information

Every one i know who has ever taught a child with Downs syndrome says they learn t more from the child then the child learn t from them

I know young adults with Downs syndrome that have passed 7 or more GCSE,s 4 or more A levels two i know have a degree. One young lady even runs her own business and drives

I also know Downs syndrome people who have no communication skills what so ever cant walk cant see and cant hear

Its a very broad spectrum

As a mother of a downs syndrome child I would ask

Look at my child see what she has to offer, see what you can offer her and teacher her to the best of her abilities make learning fun, lots of hands on stuff

Most of all give her a chance don't write her off as stupid or thick Downs syndrome kids have the same range of emotions as you and I they feel pain and hurt and sorrow, they laugh and smile and can be funny

Dont label all children with Downs syndrome as having the same learning problems because they dont it varies from child to child

Every child is special and unique.

Answer 2

It depends on the child (as with any child).  There are also varying degrees to a Downs Syndrome eg Mosaic etc.  

My part time (difficult to explain) daughter has DS and had the support of a TA in mainstream school.  She was always a little behind in some academic areas but was the most popular kid at school because of her go-get-it attitude.  One of my proudest moments is Grace reading a story in assembly at 6 years old.  Also recognising the word hippopotumus after seeing it once in a book.  She is incredibly caring and always making pictures for everyone etc.

Now at 16 she does the family shop and decides what is for dinner.  

She is also a rollerskating champion.

Yes, there will be some delays some of which can be teated and enhanced but the joy my little girl has given me is amazing.  I wouldn't swap it for the world.

There is a lot of information and support out there.  Have a look at this for something truly inspiring  http://www.stservicemovie.com

Answer 3

It depends.  Downs kids develop at different rates. Many can function in society and a few will never do more than exist. My brother in law is downs and he is great. He is 23, but is more like a 2 year old, but very loving and caring. His language skills did not devolop, but he is very good at video games.  He will always live at home with his parents b/c he is unable to take care of himself. He is healthy. Many downs have serious health problems such as heart conditions.

Answer 4

there can be any degree of learning difficulty. it varies with each individual person. it may take longer for the child to reach developmental milestones or they may not make any progress at all. information can be taught to them but it will need to be broken down into small stages and repeated for as long as it takes. it is wrong to generalise as each person has their own way of learning.

Answer 5

It depends on the person, some Downs are able to attend mainstream school with the help of a TA, they will take longer to reach development milestones but can cope. Others need Special schools as there may be speech and behaviour difficulties. Health problems can delay development.