How to stimulate children with Down syndrome

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 and is characterized by the presence of a variable degree of cognitive disability and peculiar physical features that They give it a recognizable appearance. That is, it is the result of a chromosomal alteration, produced in the process of fertilization, which results in the presence of an extra chromosome of the 21st pair in all the cells of the organism.

What is Down syndrome

This chromosomal disorder has no relationship with race, socioeconomic status or environmental problems, only one possible risk factor known is the age of the woman. However, this genetic variation may involve regularities in the functional development of the child such as: a certain cognitive delay, lack of attention, concentration, memory, slow learning, difficulties in verbal imitation ... Aspects that vary according to the person and their development .

Social skills of a child with Down syndrome

As of the first years of life, the child's environment comes into play. Once the child's evolution towards their integral growth begins, the stimulation of the child must be reinforced from the first moment. That is, it is convenient to expose the child to stimuli that attract his attention and manipulation, as a child more.

Addressing the difficulty of attention that they present in some cases, we can reinforce it with the attachment that is forged with the person closest to the child. An attachment that can generate positive and negative connotations. The first because they facilitate access to stimuli that capture their attention, such as shared play between the child and the adult. With joint activities, such as playing ball or building games, we are favoring manipulation, coordination and attention, factors that can also be extended to facilitate later activities of daily life, an aspect where difficulties appear in their learning . Por But on the other hand, an excessive attachment can limit their social relations, in which, in general, they already present difficulties due to the aforementioned factors. So it is favorable to apply a collective game with children of the same age, with and without disabilities; fostering a community and collaborative learning that will improve their development in relation to these social skills.

The needs of a child with Down syndrome

As we observed, the development of a child with Down syndrome is not so far from the child's reality of a child without disability. We just have to keep in mind that the progression of their abilities, both motor and intellectual, can have a slower course of what is known as standard. However, this should not limit their child and social development, since it is a child, with the innocence of a small discoverer driven by innate curiosity, which generates multiple skills that can lead to developing an autonomous and independent life like any person.

We only have to generate the opportune and inclusive spaces, as well as an adaptation of the resources that will facilitate a progress equivalent to each stage of the development but, at the same time, adjusted to your needs. We must not forget that behind a disability always resides a person, willing to fight to be one more and making use of human rights that are sometimes relegated to prioritize disability before the person.