Down syndrome: an intellectual and developmental disabilityBy researching the particularities in the manual Educating Exceptional Children, I chose to deepen my research on the syndrome of Down. This is one of the most common and easiest abnormalities to identify and, based on the prevalence of Down syndrome, I believe this is an exception that I will identify. Identifying Down syndrome Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that can lead to intellectual and developmental disabilities. People with Down syndrome share an extra chromosome; instead of 46, they have 47 chromosomes. Down syndrome occurs in approximately one in 733 births, making it one of the most common birth defects (Cadsa). The physical traits shared by children and adults with Down syndrome make this genetic abnormality easily recognizable. As described on The Arc website (2010), these physical traits may include a flattening of the back of the head, eyelids tilted up and out, small skin that folds at the inner corner of the eyes , a flattened nose, small ears and a small mouth which will make the tongue appear large. Most will have decreased muscle tone, loose ligaments, small hands and feet, and overall a smaller statue. There are two features that are not so recognizable and will affect fifty percent of people with Down syndrome: a line on the palm and a large space between the first and second toes. As with most exceptional cases, not all children will have all of the physical characteristics described and may have only a few, while others will have the more severe attributes of Down syndrome. Physically and intellectually, children and adults with Down syndrome will have a wide spectrum of functionality. Usually, this is...... middle of paper ......the national therapist and of course, the child's family. For a child to become a successful adult, it is very important that everything taught in school is also applied at home. Conclusion Research has shown that children with Down syndrome benefit enormously from early intervention. Depending on the child's needs, many specialists can be consulted. Works Cited Capital Area Down Syndrome Association About Down Syndrome ArcDown Syndrome • A to Z of Brain, Mind, and Learning 2005-2013 Remedium “What is Cognitive Development” http ://www.learninginfo.org /cognitive-development2.htm • Down Syndrome Education International “Development and learning” 2013 http://www.dseinternational.org/en-gb/about-down-syndrome/development/