1. DOWN SYNDROME Anis Azira Binti Mohd Rahim 113033 Nutrition 3

2. Definition Down syndrome is the most common identifiable chromosomal abnormality that results in an extra 21 st chromosome and is related to intellectual disabilities.

3. Conditions and Characteristics Heart defects Vision problems Hearing loss Infections Hypothyroidism Blood disorders Hypotonia (poor muscle tone) Problems with the upper part of the spine. Disrupted sleep patterns and sleep disorders Gum disease and dental problems Epilepsy Digestive problems Celiac disease Mental health and emotional problems

4. Treatment Good parenting skills and an ordinary family life Education and support groups to provide information and help to parents, friends and families Early intervention programmes to provide support for children and parents Access to good healthcare, including a range of different specialists

5. Communication For Down Syndrome people Down Syndrome are good communicators. However, they have specific difficulty with learning grammar and with developing clear speech. It is quite common for children and adults with Down syndrome to demonstrate speech difficulties. Down syndrome often have much better receptive language than expressive language.

6. What Can Be Done To Support Better Communication? If they are having difficulty getting their message across then ask them to show us what they want. Use face-to-face methods to communicate. Make sure we have eye-contact with them. Give instructions one at a time. Allow them time to respond. We may have to ask other family members not to respond for the child with Down syndrome. Continue with reading activities as these build up their knowledge base so that when speech communication improves they already have a number of concepts and vocabulary to work with. Use lots of speech during the day and practice sounds and vocabulary.

7. Conclusion Do not underestimate people with Down Syndrome problem. They are capable of living independent lives. Always be patient whenever we are communicating with Down Syndrome people.

8. References https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/dow n/conditioninfo/Pages/associated.aspx https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/dow n/conditioninfo/Pages/associated.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Downs- syndrome/Pages/treatment.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Downs- syndrome/Pages/treatment.aspx http://www.down- syndrome.org/information/language/overvie w/ http://www.down- syndrome.org/information/language/overvie w/ http://dsawa.asn.au/children/communication. html http://dsawa.asn.au/children/communication. html

9. Thank You