How to teach children with Down syndrome

What should we pay attention to in the way of teaching children with Down syndrome? We must reduce a series of environmental stimuli. By preparing the child for group work, we teach language and use educational materials and various games. In the following, we discuss 3 speech therapy exercises for children with Down syndrome. What is Down syndrome? Trisomy 21 is known as Down syndrome. Down syndrome is caused by a genetic problem that occurs during conception. Of course, genetics is a very broad and complex field. Parents pass on a total of 46 chromosomes to the baby, which make up our genetic background. These chromosomes combine to form 23 pairs. Sometimes an extra chromosome is added to the 21st pair. As a result, the child has Down syndrome. The number 21 is associated with trisomy; Because this abnormality occurs in pair 21. There are other types of trisomy in which an extra chromosome is added to other pairs, such as trisomy 18, this usually causes the death of the fetus before the end of the pregnancy period. In order to educate children with Down syndrome, we must pay attention to the following: **1. Reduction of stimuli that cause distraction** In order to attract the attention of children with Down syndrome, it is necessary to reduce environmental stimuli in general. Close the room door. When we need the child's attention and concentration, it is good to place the child in front of a wall without a picture. Avoid placing the child in front of the window. Because a child with Down syndrome may be distracted. Sitting close to the child increases the understanding and participation of the child with Down syndrome. **2. You must be able to teach consistency to the child** Consistency in instructions is maintaining the same routine and instructions that are given to the child. Commands should be given simply and slowly. Avoid giving multiple commands to a child with Down syndrome. Most children with Down syndrome have difficulty coping with change. To help children with Down syndrome, the instructions should be done according to an almost identical routine, every day. **3. Strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence** Encourage children with Down syndrome to resist. These children give up easily. On the other hand, we must be careful not to overprotect children with Down syndrome. These children, like other children, need to experience success and failure. In this way, they form their personality. They acquire new skills. To promote self-esteem in children with Down syndrome, teach the child that they are not capable of doing certain things. **4. Children with Down syndrome learn a lot through imitation** When you do something, explain to him the reason for doing it. When learning, a child must be able to repeat a task several times to learn well. The importance of teamwork is more important than anything to help a Down syndrome child develop social and communication skills. You can do this by planning activities where the child has to work with a teammate. Share content or follow certain rules. You should also be aware of potential conflicts and communication problems. What are the symptoms of Down syndrome? - Intellectual delay - Low muscle tone - Language delay due to the morphology of the face, mouth, tongue and teeth. - Down syndrome is associated with cardiac, digestive or other disorders. **Therefore, special specialized care for children with Down syndrome should be considered.** Working group training for children with Down syndrome A working group for a child with Down syndrome has many advantages. On the other hand, the child should be well prepared for group work. Preschool children with Down syndrome have little awareness of their difference from other children. This means that children with Down syndrome work very well with their peers. They blend in with the rest of the group. It is strongly recommended that the child get to know his group a few days before. For example, show a photo and talk about the tastes and interests of the children with Down syndrome. Reading some children's books on the subject can be a good way to start this conversation with a child with Down syndrome. **Note that you must cooperate with rehabilitation clinics to educate children with Down syndrome. We are by your side at Del Ara speech therapy and occupational therapy clinic.** Investigating the characteristics of children with Down syndrome Children with Down syndrome share several physical characteristics. Despite these similarities, all children with Down syndrome are unique. They have completely different personalities, temperaments, tastes and needs. When conducting training for children with Down syndrome, it is highly recommended to organize by considering the characteristics of the child. The method of educational intervention is practically similar to conducting a work group with children with Down syndrome As with all children, you should follow the learning pace of children with Down syndrome. Identify their needs and interests. ** The arrangement of the room should be based on the needs of the child with Down syndrome ** The arrangement of furniture and play equipment should be based on the needs of the child with Down syndrome. So that the child feels safe. Easily find your way in space. **Playing areas and all game bins must be clearly defined.** Use the created images. It is easier for children with Down syndrome to associate an object with a picture that resembles reality. You can take pictures of the games. Talk to your Down syndrome child about it. **The child should be able to see and find you easily while playing.** The child's play area should have a large space. So that the child can easily move around. Because a child with Down syndrome has involuntary movements. Hypertonia is a common symptom in most children with Down syndrome. **A suitable seat must be available for a child with Down syndrome.** Because he is not sitting properly. The amount of attention of a child with Down syndrome is greatly reduced. **Prepare educational and game materials that are easy to pick up and move.** Stimulate the child's senses. Educational materials should be attractive and multi-purpose. Encourage the imagination and self-motivation of a child with Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome have shorter and wider hands, which can make fine motor skills difficult. ### Here are some suggestions for the supplies needed for training: - Large crayon - Felt pens for beginners - Puzzle - Big Lego hub block - Plastic cars used for babies. **Speech therapy exercises for teaching children with Down syndrome** ### Here are 3 exercises for teaching children with Down syndrome: 1. Give the child with Down syndrome a small box containing different pictures. which includes objects and activities of daily life, the child interacts with them and identifies them. For children with Down syndrome who have language and speech delays. With this, they use small cards in expressing their words and speech. 2. Songs and music are a very effective way to encourage language. Make a song. Show different songs regularly with pictures. Create a songbook that your child can listen to in their free time. 3. Children with Down syndrome usually enjoy reading. Use this characteristic of children with Down syndrome to develop their spoken language. Choose small and simple words in each sentence. Replace these words with a thumbnail image associated with that word.