Understanding the Complex Challenges of Down's Syndrome: Implications for the Children with Down's Syndrome
Thesis: In order to provide appropriate assistance, professionals need to recognize that children with Down's syndrome and their parents have varying needs, depending on the following factors: a) characteristics of individuals with Down's syndrome; b) the parents' knowledge of the condition; and c) their ability and resources to cope with the condition.
I. Introduction: Parents of children with special needs, specifically Down's syndrome face considerably more difficulties than parents with typical children in raising their children.
A. Down's syndrome stems from the third Chromosome 21 that causes mental retardation.
B. Individuals with Down's syndrome have particular physical features and difficulties in expressive language.
C. They also have strong visual skills.
II. Although individuals with Down's syndrome have cognitive and physical deficits that undermine their development, they also vary considerably from one another.
Children with Down's syndrome experience different levels of cognitive and physical deficits, compared to typical children of comparable mental ages, which cannot be explained simply by delays in the developmental stages.
The underlying causes (whether organic or not) of children with mental delays cannot be easily ascertained by diagnostic testing.
Individuals with Down's syndrome exhibit varying levels of cognitive and physical deficits, which defy generalizations.
III. Research indicates that parents of children with Down's syndrome possess a solid knowledge of the developmental condition.
Parents of children with Down's syndrome are able to describe the strengths and weaknesses of their children accurately.
They are strong advocates for their children in obtaining the appropriate services.
Parents and professionals show a common interest in the condition by b...