24 hour turnaround- Read and respond to classmates paper on Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome

Jennifer Anken

CEP 661

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a cell division error which causes each cell to have an extra chromosome (47 instead of 46). The risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases greatly when the mother is age 35 or over. Presently, it effects approximately 1 an every 691 babies born in the US of all races, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds. The physical appearance of persons who have Down syndrome is similar: eyes with an upward slant, white spots on the iris of the eye, skin folds on the inner corner of the eye, flat nasal bridge, short stature, short neck, a single deep crease on the palm of the hand, a protruding tongue, low muscle tone, a significant space between the great and second toe, and a single flexion furrow of the fifth finger. Common health issues for this population include increased incidence of congenital heart defects, hearing deficit, respiratory problems, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, childhood leukemia, sleep apnea, constipation, and thyroid conditions. Cognitive delays are also a hallmark for this syndrome, as most experience mild to moderate intellectual disability, speech, fine and gross motor delay. Also common are impulsive behavior, short attention span, poor judgement, and slow learning. Prognosis is heavily dependent on the person’s individual case, medically, physically, and cognitively. The range of functioning within this population is greatly varied, case by case, and some will have the capability to become more independent while others will require greater support over their lifetime.

Treatment for Down syndrome is individualized according to the person’s unique needs. Each symptom is addressed individually: physical therapy for low muscle tone, screening at birth and subsequent treatment for heart defects, frequent thyroid level testing and treatment accordingly, and following the child closely to assess cognitive development and referral to the appropriate early intervention services. Frequently, those with Down syndrome are given physical, occupational, speech, and emotional therapies to help them achieve their highest level of independence.

Functional limitations typical of those with Down syndrome:

· Intellectual disability

· Hearing deficit

· Low muscle tone

· Severe heart defects

· Speech difficulties

· Behavioral issues (impulsivity, poor judgement)

· Short attention span

· Seizures

The level of independence an individual with Down syndrome can reach varies on a case by case basis, but generally, a high level of autonomy can be achieved with the proper interventions. Persons who have acquired a home of their own and has independence, privacy, and control over decisions effecting their everyday lives have reported high levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. It has been found that as their level of independence increases, their self-esteem heightens as well. Families are encouraged to teach appropriate social behavior from early childhood, as this goes a long way in assisting the person to develop positive social connections, also linked to increased self-esteem and self-confidence. Vocationally, it has been found to be successful for those with Down syndrome to utilize supported employment in an integrated setting. Depending upon the level of support needed, the job coach offers intensive training at the beginning of employment, and gradually fades out depending on the person’s needs. Employment also fosters independence, self-esteem and self-confidence.

There are many accommodations that may be appropriate for a person with Down syndrome. Some of these include:

· Line guides, recorded information, pictorial information, and voice output on a computer for those who have difficulty reading

· Use of voice input, oral response, spell check, use of a scribe and large spaces upon which to write for those who have difficulty writing

· Use of recorded verbal instructions, written information, checklists, verbal reminders, and pictorial instructions for those who have difficulty remembering steps of a task

· Use of key guards and alternate input devices (trackball, joystick, touchscreen) for those operating a computer that have manual dexterity issues

· Use of large-button phone, universal symbols, clearly labeled speed dial, receiver holder and headset to make it easier for those who use the telephone

· Giving positive feedback, using visual performance charts, providing tangible rewards, using co-workers as mentors, and providing a job coach can assist with on the job emotional support

· Providing sensitivity training, using role-play scenarios and training videos to demonstrate appropriate workplace behavior and modeling appropriate social skills can assist with proper interaction with co-workers

Resources related to Down syndrome: