2007-01-06 11:13:45 · 15 answers · asked by Cheme_04 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
Children with Down Syndrome absolutely develop in all ways. I have a sister with Down Syndrome who just turned 41.
My sister learned to do all the physical things that any other kid learns to do, except for it took her a little longer. For example, she didn't walk until she was 15 months old, which is a bit older than average. But she learned to take care of her own physical needs, just like anyone else. She is short (about 4'9") but she walks, dances, and swims for exercise, so she is not heavy. She is actually an excellent swimmer and won medals competing in the International Special Olympics.
When my sister was born, there were no laws requiring free appropriate public education for people with disabilities, so my family had to fight to get her into school. But it was worth the battle. She reads very well and checks out & reads 10 books from the library each month. She also writes well and uses a computer to email family members. Her math skills are not as good, but she can make small purchases, come up with the correct bus fare, etc. Overall, her cognitive skills are about like that of a 3rd grader. That may not seem like a lot, but the truth of it is that a person with 3rd grade skills and some life experience can function pretty well in the world.
My sister now lives in a group home, where she has responsibilities for her own room, her laundry, etc., as well as for contributing to the household by doing chores, helping with cooking, etc. She takes the bus to work, and she has a boyfriend who also has Down Syndrome.
So my sister is a good example of what many people with Down Syndrome can accomplish. And you know what? She has a greater gift for happiness than most of us "normal" people. One of the great things about her, and about many people with Down Syndrome, is that they never lose the ability to appreciate all the good things in life. They don't get hung up on worrying about the future, or thinking they will only be happy when some big event happens; they have a way of seeing the beauty of the world in ways that most adults get too busy to appreciate.
So I absolutely know that children with Down Syndrome develop!
2007-01-07 14:01:36 · answer #1 · answered by sonomanona 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Physically, they develop the same as any other child. Emotionally, they may be a little immature as they grow older ( they will act younger than their age.) As far as learning, some can learn enough to live on their own with a little help and some will not.
There was a TV show several years ago that had a Down's Syndrome man as one of the central characters. The actor who played the role actually did have Down's Syndrome and he did quite well at it. He also had roles on other TV shows after that and seemed to do quite well.
When a child is born with Down's Syndrome, they need a lot of help in the beginning --they need to go to special classes very early. But I have known a few people who had a child with Down's and they all loved their children very much.
They can be a challenge, but they are very easy children to love.
2007-01-06 19:59:19 · answer #2 · answered by Marilyn E 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like any other children each is an individual. Of course they will develop - like other children at their own individual rate.
Like other children, as they grow they develop all sorts of different skills & abilities any many given the right education will live independent happy lives.
Some with need on-going care and take longer to develop their skills. For any individual learning keeps going all their life.
Most share a great sense of humour and love of music.
I had a friend with downes who won medals for several sports& as well was a brilliant performer on stage - music & comedy.
2007-01-07 17:40:03 · answer #3 · answered by Maryrose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they do. I know they do. I work with children who have down syndrome. I have worked with young children and teenagers. Yes they do develop. The girls mature just like other girls. As far as language and skills they are slower.
2007-01-06 20:29:19 · answer #4 · answered by redwidow 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think??? I know they do. Of course there are developmental delays, but they learn and grow like any other child. My son is 2 and has Down syndrome...he has a pretty extensive vocabulary orally and in sign language, he has better numerical and alphabetical recognition than some of his non-Down syndrome peers, and he is pretty much like any other child.
People with Down syndrome, if encouraged and supported, grow up to graduate school, get jobs, some get married, compete atheletically and display individual talents.
2007-01-06 20:05:05 · answer #5 · answered by Smom 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes. each kid is different, and their degree of mental handicap is different, as well. are there some that will never be able to live on their own and support themselves?yes. are there some that will?absolutely. but they take longer in most cases to learn things other kids learn fast...sometimes it takes years...which means it takes tons of patience and tons of repetition and lots of love and caring. some kids respond well to theraputic horseback riding programs...it helps their physical strength and coordination, and it helps their self esteem, as well as helps them to learn to focus and concentrate.
2007-01-07 03:14:47 · answer #6 · answered by rainydaydreamr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they are human beings they develop just not at the same rate as everyone else
2007-01-07 00:33:22 · answer #7 · answered by the quiet one 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they do and they are very bright. the only difference is the extra number 21 chromosome.
2007-01-08 22:47:52 · answer #8 · answered by nakita 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-01-07 02:13:29 · answer #9 · answered by jen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
develop? like sexually? Physically? mentally? yes all three but slower than average
2007-01-06 19:22:06 · answer #10 · answered by undercovernudist 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋