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Children with Down syndrome, development, features, training, classes
Children with Down syndrome can be born in any family, regardless of their social status and the health of their parents. It is impossible to prevent and get rid of this syndrome, but under certain conditions it does not interfere with leading a normal life.
The presence of the syndrome is associated with genetic changes and manifests itself in a child shortly after birth. The extra chromosome affects not only the intelligence of the child, but also the appearance and health.
Children with Down Syndrome are able to receive primary vocational education after school
Such a child can be recognized by his appearance. Distinctive features are:
- a slightly flattened face that appears flat;
- raised corners of the eyes;
- small ears;
- a small mouth with a high palate;
- a wide tongue that the child often sticks out of the mouth;
- wide palms;
- short fingers and a little finger curved inward.
The appearance of this child is different from that of an ordinary toddler.
In addition to these signs, children can have serious health problems. Congenital heart and intestinal defects, visual and hearing impairments are common. These children often catch colds. Diseases of the thyroid gland are often observed.
Compared to “healthy” children, the child will develop more slowly. He will later begin to hold his head, sit down, crawl, walk and talk.
The baby is born with intellectual disability, which can be of varying degrees. It is characterized by a delay in speech and mental development. But one cannot predict how it will develop as a whole. With an individual approach, he is able to show good results.
The most favorable conditions for a child are a home environment and a loving family. He can be taught to serve himself, go to the store and help around the house. He will imitate the behavior of the people around him. Friendship with peers will teach him to play, communicate and lead an active lifestyle.
Education and activities with such a child
Children who are lagging behind in mental and speech development need early pedagogical assistance, from birth to 5 years. Since children usually have slurred speech, they need to work with a speech therapist – defectologist. This will allow you to quickly adapt in kindergarten and school.
It will be better if they start attending a regular kindergarten and school. They can study in a regular class all day or spend part of their time in a special class. Any training activity is difficult for them, so specialists must define a profile and develop strengths.
During the lessons, the teachers should have an individual approach to the child. A special, simplified program is selected for it.
It should be borne in mind that such children do not perceive information well by ear, so there should be a visual demonstration and multiple repetitions.
Visual techniques allow you to teach a child to read, write, repeat gestures and movements.
Downs are talented children, they can draw, sing or dance well. But these qualities need to be developed by creating the necessary conditions.
How the life of a child with a difficult syndrome will turn out depends on the help of relatives, the participation of specialists and living conditions.