Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome Facts
Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, occurs when a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome (rather than just two copies).
Approximately 1 in 700 babies born will have Down Syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition.
Babies with Down Syndrome have low muscle tone and it often takes them longer to walk, talk and eat the same foods as other children.
Children with Down Syndrome want to be treated like everyone else. They can laugh, love, and enjoy life just like their peers. They work extra hard and get it in their own timing.
People with Down Syndrome can get married, go to college, have jobs and be productive, contributing members of society!
“If you spend any amount of time with a child with Down Syndrome, you will quickly fall in love with their joyful spirit, determination and tenacity for life! I have never met a child with Down Syndrome that I didn’t fall in love with and who didn’t teach me something about living life to the fullest!”
- Brittany Gartner PT, DPT
Resources & Stories
Read about our students stories and the solutions we’ve found to help them.
| Image | Title | Summary | Date | wpdmcategory_hfilter | tags_hfilter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| How to Make a Slant Board | Slant boards provide an alternative surface on which a child can practice … | June 23, 2020 | occupational-therapy | assistive-technology | |
 | How to Make Picture Prompts | Sometimes children have difficulty following routine verbal directions because they need extra time to auditorily process what you are asking them to do. Using a picture prompt can greatly increase a child’s level of success in following through with your … | June 16, 2020 | down-syndrome diagnosis | |
 | DIY Sensory Play Wall | Sensory walls are an easy thing to set up for anyone working with a visually impaired little one. With just a few items found around the house, your little one can explore and have hours of … | June 9, 2020 | sensory-processing diagnosis | |
| How to Introduce Objects to Children with CVI | Opportunities to use vision should be incorporated into your child’s everyday life. Here are some ways to place opportunities for your child to see throughout their daily … | June 2, 2020 | cortical-vision-impairment diagnosis | ||
| Communicating with a Non-Verbal Child | Here you will find some tips on how to communicate with a non-verbal child adapted from Friendship Circle. The following content was contributed by parents of children and adults with special … | May 26, 2020 | speech-therapy | ||
| Preparing Little Hands to Write | If you are working with a child who is uninterested in writing or coloring, my advice is this: Stop worrying about coloring and start by engaging them in what they are interested in! Here are some ideas for creating opportunities to learn writing … | May 19, 2020 | occupational-therapy |