Understanding Down syndrome
Down syndrome affects each person differently. Each person has their own unique profile of strengths and areas where they may need support.
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Definition
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that influences learning and development. It occurs because cells contain an extra chromosome. In New Zealand, it's a common condition across all cultures, with one or more children being born with Down syndrome every week.
Jodi and Matt Parry, parents of twins with Down syndrome, bust some of the myths about Down syndrome.
Characteristics of Down syndrome
Every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual. Often students will have strong empathy with others, good social skills, good short-term memory and visual learning skills.
Sarah answers some questions about what it's like to have Down syndrome.
Closed Captions
They may also have some the following characteristics to different degrees:
- characteristic physical features – distinctive eye and nose shapes, low muscle tone, smaller in height, slower developing motor skills
- health and development challenges – cardiac conditions, depressed immune system, hard of hearing or low vision
- learning challenges – mild to moderate delays in developmental, behavioural, and interpersonal skills
Influence on learning
Students with Down syndrome will each have different strengths and preferences as learners. They will also experience their own set of challenges dependent on the situation.
![5255 [Down-syndrome-still-from-Teaching-approaches-down-syndrome-video.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Down-syndrome-still-from-Teaching-approaches-down-syndrome-video__ScaleMaxWidthWzU1OF0.png)
Student with Down syndrome rehearsing level 2 drama presentation for peer feedback.
Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Common strengths and preferences
- Strong empathy with others, social understanding and non-verbal communication
- Good short-term memory
- Visual learning skills
- Regular positive affirmation
Common challenges
- Learning new skills in short time frames
- Maintaining concentration, and understanding complex spoken instructions
- Communicating using spoken language
- Developing functional use of literacy and numeracy
- Acquiring new physical skills
- Sensitivity to loud environments and stressed individuals
Next steps
Return to the guide “Down syndrome and learning”
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Identify needs and how to provide supportShow suggestions for Identify needs and how to provide support
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Key areas to supportShow suggestions for Key areas to support
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Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 1-8
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Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13Show suggestions for Helpful classroom strategies years 9-13
