earning

isabilities

Table of Contents
Down Syndrome

Dyslexia

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Down Syndrome

What is it?
Tips for parents
Tips for educators
Tips for students
Resources

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome occurs when someone has an extra full or partial copy of
chromosome 21 and is the most common genetic condition.
Most individuals with down syndrome experience some mild to moderate
cognitive delays. Often individuals with down syndrome are also prone to
certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory
and hearing problems, Alzheimers disease, childhood leukemia and thyroid
issues.
With the advances in medicine, most of these issues are treatable.
Individuals with down syndrome now have an increased life
expectancy of around 60 years old in comparison to 20 years
old before the advent of antibiotics.

Tips for parents

Find a pediatrician who is familiar with Down syndrome or one
who is willing to work with you to become educated on it
Help your child to learn how to become independent by
teaching
them how to take care of themselves by having
them select
their own outfits or brush their teeth
Break tasks into small, clearly defined steps and give
demonstrations of how to accomplish those steps
Make sure your child has regular social integration with other
children
Find a support group with whom you can bounce ideas off of
and talk openly about the successes and struggles you have

Tips for educators

Find a variety of resources and literature on Down syndrome
in order to become as knowledgeable as possible
Work together with parents, special educators and other
school personnel to develop a concrete plan for the students
academic goals
Have high expectations and believe in your students abilities
Use pictures or audio clues to signal the beginning and end of
activities
Allow adequate time for students to process and respond to
questions

Tips for students

Be active and get involved in outdoor activities
Eat a real-food diet and try to avoid processed foods
Draw pictures to communicate how you are feeling
Make friends
Ask before leaving the classroom or going outside

What are my resources?

www.ndss.org
www.dsccenter.org
http://www.signingtime.com
http://www.woodbinehouse.com/Down-Syndrome.29.0.0.
2.
htm

Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia?
Tips for parents
Tips for educators
Tips for students
Resources

What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurological learning disability that impacts an
individuals ability to read, write and spell.
Some of the common
characteristic of dyslexia are struggling to identify and
connect words, poor word retention
and difficulties in phonological awareness.
While dyslexia is not curable, early and consistent
intervention can greatly improve an individuals
ability to read, comprehend and write words.

Tips for parents

Look for specific acts to give your child positive
feedback on
Listen to audiobooks together
Encourage your child to read, no matter what form the
literature is in
Introduce your child to famous people with dyslexia and
their accomplishments
Dont be discouraged when your child has setbacks,
they are often only temporary

Tips for educators

Understand the characteristics of dyslexia that impact
student performance in the classroom
Provide manipulatives for lessons
Teach organizational skills for homework
Allow students to work at a study desk with headphones
on to eliminate distractions during independent study
time
Give step by step instructions

Tips for students

Have an assignment notebook where you write your
daily homework
Find a study partner
Listen to radio programs or podcasts, such as Radiolab
or This American Life
Dont give up if completing tasks takes you longer than
others
Turn off the T.V., telephone and other things that might
distract you while studying

What are my resources?

www.interdys.org
www.idonline.org
http://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/ortongillingham.html
http://www.wordshark.co.uk/index.aspx
www.embracingdyslexia.com

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

What is FAS?
Tips for parents

Tips for educators

Tips for students
Resources

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a condition that occurs
when a fetus is exposed to alcohol during
gestation.
Alcohol
consumption by a mother during pregnancy
can lead to both physical and mental defects.
Symptoms can vary in severity and can
range from
learning disorders,
to behavioral issues, to joint and limb deformities.

Tips for Parents

Dont expect your child to behave like other children
Give instructions one at a time and allow extra time for
them to complete tasks
Before going out, model the appropriate behavior for
your child
Provide a place your child can storm off to when they
are upset
There is no right way to parent a child with FAS, if
something doesnt work dont be afraid to try
unconventional
alternatives

Tips for Educators

Give students consistency with classroom schedules
and seating arrangements
Minimize classroom distractions such as posters, ceiling
hangings or decorations to help keep kids focused
Let them use a computer when possible
Post consequences for good and bad behavior
in the classroom
Learn to read a students body language to see when
they are becoming frustrated or overwhelmed

Tips for Students

Talk to your parents and teachers about things you are
struggling with
Find a friend to sit with on the bus or study with in class
If bright lights bother you, pick a pair of sunglasses you
like to wear inside
Have an item like a stress ball or bracelet to hold when
sitting in class
Get a blanket to wrap up in when you feel upset

Resources
www.nofas.org
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/index.html
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fas.html