Cognitive Variation in Down Syndrome
Historically persons with Down syndrome have been considered to inevitably
demonstrate moderate to severe cognitive/mental impairment. More recent
findings suggest however, that persons with Down syndrome experience much
variation in both cognitive and motor development. Learning abilities
in children with Down syndrome, as evidenced by IQ scores, may range over
50-60 points. This spread in IQ score is similar to the range seen in
the general population, although displaced somewhat to the lower end of
the distribution. While it is true that some children and adults with
Down syndrome experience severe levels of cognitive disability, most fall
into the mild to moderate range of intellectual disability. A small percentage
of persons with Down syndrome demonstrate levels of intelligence approaching
"normal".
Inclusive educational opportunities and behavioral interventions often
help promote the mastery of developmental milestones in children with
Down syndrome. It is now considered that some non-genetic, environmental,
or psychological factors may contribute to learning failure in children
with Down syndrome, and these issues are currently under study. Each child
or adult with Down syndrome is entitled to the support needed to reach
his or her optimum level of cognitive achievement.
Some of the above material adapted from:
Wishart, J.G. (2004). Cognitive development in young
children with Down syndrome: Developmental strengths, developmental weaknesses
[Electronic version]. Originally published in: Down syndrome in the
21st century: 1st Biennial scientific conference on Down syndrome.
Retrieved, September 8th, 2004, from http://www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/wishart.html