Thursday, January 15, 2015

Importance of play in the lives of children with Down Syndrome

        Most children are able to learn and develop the essential skills as they grow. Children with down syndrome tend to have a harder time developing. The growth and maturation of children and other environmental influences are what enable our children to develop, and the capacity of adulthood. Child development depends on important factors like their mother’s interaction with them as a baby which can be seen in Freud's theory of child development. This cause for essential developments in your life and can be completed from play.
         Down Syndrome is common and is seen in an increasing amount on older mothers which is the cause of cognitive and physical impairments in these people. Down Syndrome is due to an extra Chromosome 21 which creates too many proteins in the cells so it disturbs the normal growth of the fetus. There is a wide variation of the symptoms that can be associated with Down Syndrome. Some of the physical features that can be seen with this genetic disorder are an abnormally small chin, a larger tongue, a distinctive fold from inner corner of eyes to the bridge of the nose, and eyes slanting upward. Down Syndrome can lead to congenital heart defects and hearing and vision problems.
Children with Down Syndrome typically have a delay on development and are slower to attain motor development. According to Cleland, “Motor control problems and physiological and cognitive deficits as a result of impaired brain development may all be involved". Most kids are always eager to play and explore, however children with Down Syndrome do not want to engaged in any type of play. Babies of any age are beginning to become mobile  and eager explore the world around them, this is not the case with infants with Down Syndrome. These children can be very difficult to excite or motivate, they do not have the will to interact or explore. The only play that has been proven to create a sense of motivation in young toddlers with Down Syndrome is a multisensory “house”. This is because of the various visual, auditory and textual stimulus in their environment which is the source of their excitement. It is more important for children with Down Syndrome to be engaged in play because it helps to develop the skills they need in their life. Play has creates the ability for these children to reach their neurological, muscle, and skeletal milestones. These goals are met by interpreting information, external influences, and nurturing these skills by play and practicing all types of play. For kids with Down Syndrome play is more than just a fun thing to do to pass the time and develop slight skills, play is essential for life and the main goal to try and have the opportunity to have a semi normal life as they transfer into adulthood.

Citation
Hughes, L., & Cardwell, P. (2011). Care of a child with Down's Syndrome. Learning Disability Practice, 14(10), 14-17.
De Falco, S., Esposito, G., Venuti, P., & Bornstein, M. H. (2008). Father's Play with their Down Syndrome children. Journal of Intellectual Disability      Research, 52(6), 490-502.

7 comments:

  1. I agree with your article on play being essential to children's development who have down syndrome . It is very important to notice that they are unable to process information the same as those who do not have down syndrome . Therefore play allows the child to be motivated to learn and develop skills needed in their lives.

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  2. I think your article is very important because a lot of people don't know how the development of children with down syndrome. Down syndrome is a very serious condition and I think people should know their motor skills and the genetic disorder .

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  3. I agree. Children develop how they are due to their surroundings and mental state. Play is essential to a child's development. Even if the child has down syndrome or not. Everyone develops at their own pace. Play is definitely necessary.

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  4. I feel that play is helpful for children with down syndrome. It makes it easier for them to learn things in a way that is more natural to children.

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  5. I think it is very important for kids to learn the essentials. Also down syndrome is very common and their are a lot of children that have down syndrome.

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  6. anyone can play if you have down syndrome or and disorder that shouldnt stop kis from playing. i know if i had down syndrome i would still play and learn and diamond is right down syndrome is very common.

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  7. I agree and think your article is important because not many people think about kids with down syndrome and how different their way of living is. I didnt realize how much harder it must be for them until I read this.

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