Malik Buckner
Ms.Leuschel
Survey of Literature
25 May 2010
Life with Down syndrome
“ Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes mental retardation and physical it is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome number 21” (“Down syndrome” par.1). Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of mild to moderate intellectual and developmental, it occurs in out 1 of 800 births (“Down syndrome” par.1). The discovery of Down syndrome was in 1866 by Dr. John Langdon Haydon Down, who worked in an English hospital for mental disabilities. Dr. Down had notice that many of the people cared for in the hospital shared certain physical features that is related to Down syndrome. About 100 years later, a French scientist figured out it was genetics that caused the problem (“Thumbs up for Dr. Down” par. 1). Life with Down syndrome, physical and mental disability caused by extra chromosome, creates life challenges from birth to adulthood. Being born with Down syndrome is such challenge for new born babies. “During the early years of life children with Down syndrome are ten times more likely than other children to develop a potentially fatal disease…or defective development of the spinal cord” (“Infants and preschool children” par.21). About half of babies with Down syndrome are born with heart defects, which mean their hearts, grow differently and don’t work as they should usually, these problems can be fixed by surgery (“Down syndrome” par.3). “Kids with Down syndrome are more likely to get infections that affect their lungs and breathing…they may have eye, ear problems or digestion problems like constipation some may develop leukemia” (“Health problems are common” par 2). Kids with Down syndrome tend to grow and develop more slowly than other children do. They may start walking or talking later than other babies. Special help, such as physical therapy and speech therapy, can give kids a boost with their walking and talking skills (“Health problems are common” par. 5). “A newborn baby with Down syndrome often has physical features…that will most likely be recognize in delivery may include a flat facial profile, an upward slat to the eye, a short neck, and abnormally shaped ears.”(“A Diagnosis of Down syndrome”par.1). Babies with Down syndrome can have a tough life, but their educationally life can be even more changeling.
Federal laws are in place in each state, to make sure all handicapped children; Including Down syndrome has a free public education. “The decision of what type of school a child with Down syndrome should attend is an important one made by the parents…a parent must decide between enrolling the child in a school where most of the children do not have disabilities or sending the child to a school for children with special need”(Public Law 94-142). “Most people with Down syndrome have IQs that fall in the mild to moderate range intellectual disability formerly known as “retardation” children with Down syndrome fully participate in public and private educational programs educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome” (“Early intervention and education” par 24).
“The life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased substantially in 1929; the average life span of a person with Down syndrome was nine years today it is common for a person with Down syndrome to live to age fifty and beyond, in addition to living longer, people with Down syndrome are now living fuller richer lives than ever…many people with Down syndrome form meaningful relationships and eventually marry” (“Adolescence par.1) Many adults with Down syndrome have developed the skills, required to hold jobs(“ Adults with Down syndrome”) Business are seeking young adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions because they bring forth great hard working skill.(“Down syndrome in the workplace par.7”) “Work options such as workshops are occupied by Adults with Down syndrome”(“Down syndrome in the workplace” par.15). Many people with Down syndrome participate in the Special Olympics. This is a sport event when mental and physical handicap individuals show their athletic ability. (“Down syndrome recreation” par.4) Down syndrome used to be fatal disease, but now became a livable obstacle and can bring forth marriages and jobs.
At one time, most kids with Down syndrome did not live past childhood. Many would often become sick from infections. Others would die from their heart problems or other problems they had at birth. Today, most of these health problems can be treated and most kids who have it will grow into adulthood. Many kids with Down syndrome go to regular schools and may attend regular classes. Some need special classes to help them in areas where they have more trouble learning. Down syndrome also participates in actives like the Special Olympics, and has jobs as well. Because they look different, some kids may tease or bully kids who have Down syndrome. But these kids have feelings just like everybody else. With Down syndrome individuals already have gone through a changeling life. Wouldn’t it make their life easier to give them a helping hand and words of encouragement?