Reply to Talking to DD about classmate with Downs Syndrome

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[quote=Anonymous]

[quote] DS is also a physical disability as almost all people with DS have low muscle tone, so the girl in the class might appear "floppy" and will need help with gross and fine motor activities. So it might be accurate to explain the girl is weaker and might have more safety concerns. 
  
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Mom of child with DS here. Be careful not to confuse low muscle tone (hypotonia) with "weakness." Actually, most people with DS are physically very strong, but often have trouble coordinating their muscle movements. This, and not cognitive ability, is what explains their speech patterns and uncommon gaits. The biggest safety concern for kids with DS involves some neck weakness--some kids with DS need to restrict their activities due to a risk of major neck injury.

I'd also like to say that I think the majority of the posters on this thread have been very sensitive to this issue and presented their advice and views in a thoughtful way. Thank you to those here who care enough to work to welcome kids with DS into their childs' classrooms.  
 
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