DOWN'S SYNDROME

Children who are born with Down’s syndrome have an increased risk of additional health complications such as congenital heart, sight, and hearing problems.
Downs syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 live births in the UK.
It is not clear what causes Down’s syndrome but it seems the single biggest risk factor is the age at which a woman gives birth; the greatest risk (1 in 30) is associated with women who are 45 years of age or over.

Supporting students with Down's syndrome

Individual learning support for each student with Down's syndrome will be different depending on their physical and developmental needs.
Some children and young people will have an EHCP identifying their physical and learning needs.
Low muscle tone can lead to difficulties controlling some body movements.

Class seating plans should take account of individual needs such as hearing and sight difficulties.
Advice from an occupational therapist on the correct positioning when working at a desk will help a student develop what works best for them.

Access to a speech and language therapist will help teachers develop a programme tailored to the needs of the individual.
When giving instructions, be clear and limit to one or two steps at a time.
Signs and symbols can help with communication.
Visual reminders will help with processing information.
It can be very helpful if peers also learn to sign.

Some children with Down's syndrome will learn to read at the same rate as peers without Down's Syndrome. It’s very important to have equally high expectations.
For some children with Down's Syndrome their reading ability will be more advanced than verbal communication skills. It’s important that differences in rates of development do not limit progress.
Development of writing skills will generally follow the same pattern as other children but may be delayed.