Getting active: What does it mean for children With Down Syndrome?
Dr. Nora Shields explains how to improve the health and well-being of children with Down syndrome through participation in active physical recreation.
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material for chromosome 21. This genetic disorder, which varies in severity, causes lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays, and in some people it causes health problems. Early and ongoing interventions can greatly increase the outcomes of children and adults with this disorder and help them live fulfilling lives.
Overview For Parents
- Children with DS can experience different challenges, but also have the potential to develop and thrive in many areas.
- Children with DS possess the ability to acquire bilingual language proficiency. Families should not be systematically advised to avoid bilingual exposure for their children with DS.
Overview For Clinicians
- Clinicians should be aware of the subtle behavioral and cognitive differences between autism and fragile X syndrome in order to maximize early intervention programs that recognize syndrome specific strengths and challenges.
- It is important to carefully examine social deficits in children with developmental disorders.
Articles
Theory of mind in children with Fragile X syndrome.
Children with fragile X syndrome do have impairment in theory of mind that is comparable, although slightly different, then the deficit reported in other groups with learning challenges such as Down syndrome.
Do children with Down syndrome develop bilingual proficiency to the same degree that they master one language?
Families should not be systematically advised to avoid bilingual exposure for their children with Down syndrome.
Videos
Dear future mom
Down syndrome life
The hopes and dreams of people With down syndrome
Communities
Canadian Down Syndrome Society
CDSS supports self-advocates, parents and families through all stages of life.
Down Syndrome
The community’
Down Syndrome Parents Sharing
The members are here to share their experiences with you and listen to your feelings and experiences.