Common Disabilities

Down's Syndrome

Down's Syndrome is the most common and readily identifiable chromosomal condition associated with mental retardation. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality: for some unexplained reason, an accident in cell development results in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. This extra chromosome changes the orderly development of the body and brain.

Characteristics

Some common characteristics include:

1. Poor muscle tone
2. Slanting eyes with folds of skin at the inner corners
3. Hyperflexibility(excessive ability to extend the joints)
4. Short, broad hands with a single crease across the palm on one or both hands
5. Broad feet with short toes
6. Flat bridge of the nose
7. Short, low-set ears
8. Short neck
9. Small head
10. Small oral cavity

Related health problems:

Lowered resistance to infection, visual problems such as crossed eyes and for or near sightedness, mild to moderate hearing loss, cardiovascular irregularities

Atlantoaxial Instability

Atlantoaxial instability is an orthopedic problem present in approximately 17% of persons with Down’s syndrome. Atlantoaxial refers to the joint between the first two cervical vertebrae known as atlas and axis, respectively. Instability indicates that the ligaments and muscles surrounding this joint are lax and the vertebrae can slip out of alignment easily. Forceful forward or backward bending of the neck, which occurs in gymnastics and other sports events may dislocate the atlas, causing damage to the spinal cord.

You should assume a student with Down's Syndrome in your P.E. class has Atlantoaxial instability, until you have confirmation of a doctor's report, (you can get this from the school nurse) that the student has been x-rayed for this.

Students with Down's Syndrome tend to develop both physically and mentally at one-quarter of a normal student's development.

Teaching Strategies:

1. Highly structured environment
2. Reduce teaching space
3. Control extraneous stimuli
4. Positive behavior modification program
5. Use brief instructions

Remember: a student participating in your class with Down's Syndrome may only accomplish one or two activities at the most, but this is O.K., they are acquiring a great deal, REMEMBER their learning rate, about one-quarter of ours, this should put it into perspective for you.