10 Things Teachers Should Know about Down Syndrome
1. Know the definition of Down syndrome
Here’s a technical definition for adults: Down syndrome is a genetic condition. There are *three* types
of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases (what my daughters have),
translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.
People with Trisomy 21 have 47 Chromosomes instead of 46 in each cell. This is because of an error in
cell division called nondisjunction. At some point, a pair of 21st chromosomes in either the sperm or the
egg fails to separate. As the embryo develops, an extra chromosome is copied in every cell of the body.
(Read on to find out how to explain Down syndrome to kids …)
2. Use people first language
People first language is simply putting the person before the disability in speech. Don’t say the Down
syndrome girl. Use the child’s name, and if needed in the conversation, add that she has Down
syndrome (i.e., Polly, who happens to have Down syndrome). Also, the correct term is Down syndrome.
Not Down’s syndrome. A child does not have Downs. Terminology is important, and often mistaken.
3. Pay attention to how you treat the child
Remember, you set the tone. Please treat your student with Down syndrome like the other kids in class.
I’ve been in classrooms where the child with Down syndrome is babied, or considered the class project.
Don’t give special treatment, and don’t ignore him or her because it is easier. Your other students are
watching, and they will act like you.
4. Explain Down syndrome to your students, and to the school
In an inclusive setting, teachers should talk to their class and explain Down syndrome. At the beginning
of each school year, invite a parent with a child with Down to come help!
5. Find out about health and safety concerns
An added chromosome can bring about health and safety concerns. Be sure to review your student’s
medical records. Find out if she has any constraints for recess or gym, and check with the parents about
safety issues.
6. Identify how the child learns
First and foremost, children with Down syndrome LEARN! But all children learn differently. Your job is to
figure out how your student learns and then work with other professionals in your school to modify the
classwork to give him every chance to succeed.
Kids with Down are typically visual learners, and it is difficult for them to stay on task. So their teachers
break things down to small, step by step assignments, and reinforce with visual and tactile cues. Not
sure how/what to do? RESEARCH! Ask the parents. Check with special education teachers.
7. Partner with the child’s parents
No one knows your student better than her parents. Network and communicate with them often. Don’t
wait for an IEP meeting that happens twice a year. Use a communication journal to send back and forth
to the parents.
8. Read your student’s IEP often
Don’t just skim students’ IEPs once and assume the school therapists will help the student achieve her
goals. The recommendation is: read the IEP often. Look for ways to incorporate your student’s goals in
the everyday life of the class.
9. Don’t assume your student can’t do something
Always start with the idea that he or she can do anything other students do. Just realize you may have to
break the task down or teach it in a different way. Model the task for your student, or maybe pair him
up with a buddy who can help. Peer interaction will be a huge motivator for a child with Down
syndrome.
10. Realize that you play a big role in your student’s success!
Create a wonderful environment for your student. Use his gifts and talents and interests to motivate
him in his work and give lots of positive feedback and encouragement. What a privilege it is to play such
a vital role in your student’s life.