Down Syndorome

Down syndrome (DS) usually occurs in one out of 800-1000 births. The main reason for children having Down syndrome is because there is an abnormality on a small portion of chromosomes, reason for 95% of births. Another type is translocation. It is a portion of chromosome 21 to another chromosome; occurring in 4-6 % of births. The third type, usually occurring in only 1-4%, is a mosaic of normal and transonic cells. DS id in no way related to race, religion or nationality. Women over 35 years old who have babies are 20% more likely to have a child with Down syndrome. When a parent has a child with DS, that child needs more help at home in order to be more successful in everyday life.

A child's looks are what are most noticeable. You are able to tell at birth if a child has Down syndrome. They tend to be overly quiet, less responsive, and weak. Some physical characteristics are include having a flat face, small head, small low set nose, small mouth (makes the tongue look bigger), and double-jointed. Internally, DS children suffer with heart problem and Alzheimer's.

In 1975, the Education Act for all Handicapped Children Act passed. It gave the right for a free appropriate education. It was passed to ensure that all children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education; that would meet individual needs. The child would be in the least restrictive environment needed for academic success. In 1990, this act was changed to: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Government said that separating disabled children from non disabled children would mean that there is unequal education offered in the United States.

A child's learning starts at home. As a baby, parents need to work with babies on their skills. The child main not seem interested or not look at their parent. The parent should not feel bad. The babies' skills will take longer to develop. Talking helps develop the skills even if it doesn't seem that way (Kumin 16). Showing bright colors and holding objects close seem to help (Kumin 24). Research shows children would rather look at the human face than a toy. By becoming familiar with faces, the child becomes comfortable. Doctors encourage face to face looking, smiling, talking, and singing (Kumin 24).

Keeping a child's attention for periods of time helps him in the future. Never keep a monotone voice and help him learn facial expressions by mirroring what he does. Showing facial expressions is one way children with DS show feelings. When parents don't work owith children, they tend to have very short attention spans and less interest in things (Wilson 26).

Interaction is a big part of a child's life. Love helps children grow in motor and language skills. Children use their parents' expressions to show how they feel to others. "Intimacy between parents and child is the basis for their future" (Greenspan 74). When a child finds it hard to concentrate and retrieve information from the real world, they will go to a place inside their head: a place where they are comfortable and in charge (Buckley 12).

Children with Down syndrome interact differently with other children depending on their skills. When a child has high communication skills they are more likely to be accepted by others. For example, Student A is a child wit DS and is much supported at home. His parents push him to do things he doesn't want to. They want him to be able to play sports and sing and dance. Whenever he gives up, his parents are there to encourage him. From his parents' encouragement, he then had learned to encourage himself. From his all his encouragement at home, at school, he is more evolved. He volunteers to play games and talks during class discussions. His comment may not be on topic, but he is interacting with the class.

Student B has a little bit harder life. His parents' are there for him and they support him. They help him with homework and everyday things, such as sharpening a pencil or tying a shoe. But, when it comes to playing games and sports with him, they aren't there. So, at school, when it comes to time to play, he doesn't involve himself. He pushes himself away from others because he doesn't know what to do. Since others don't include him he feels