Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome is a common chromosomal condition that causes developmental delays, both mentally and physically. Providing support for individuals, especially young children, with Down Syndrome is vital to promote the best possible development. Sensory Down Syndrome products are amazing, safe tools for promoting physical, cognitive, and social development for people with Down Syndrome. Designing a dedicated sensory room for someone with Down Syndrome, that’s tailored to their specific needs, can prove highly beneficial.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that tends to cause learning disabilities and physical features characteristic of the condition. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, about 6,000 babies are born with Down Syndrome in the US, around 1 in every 700 babies born.
Down Syndrome is caused by there being an extra copy of chromosome 21 in a baby’s cells. For the most part, this isn’t inherited, and it is the result of a one-off genetic change in the egg or sperm.
There are three types of Down Syndrome:
- 95% of people with Down Syndrome have Trisomy 21
- 3% of people with Down Syndrome have Translocation Down Syndrome
- 2% of people with Down Syndrome have Mosaic Down Syndrome
There are a number of common traits of those with Down Syndrome, including reduced muscle tone, which can lead to floppiness, eyes which slant upwards and outwards, a flat back of the head, and being below average in terms of weight and length at birth. Although those with Down Syndrome share common features, they are all unique individuals with different personalities, opinions, and interests.
A Down Syndrome Sensory Room
A multisensory experience is much like a playground for those with Down Syndrome. The ability to manipulate and control one’s own environment can be exciting if not thrilling to such special individuals. By using interactive switches, specialized microphones with visual feedback and touch panels, an individual can actually see the impact of their actions.
Sensory Down Syndrome equipment that develops gross motor skills is especially important. Children with Down Syndrome often have low muscle tone, looseness of ligaments, and decreased strength. As a result, they can experience delays in motor skill development. Sensory equipment, like a ball pool or balance beam, is great for safely developing this skill.
Individuals with Down Syndrome tend to experience delays with speech and language development, too. Sound- and music-based specialist sensory products, including soundboards and our Interactive LED Fanlite, can have outstanding benefits for those struggling to speak and communicate.
Development is the focus of a room designed for our clients with Down Syndrome, and the outcome can simply be astonishing. Our blog post on multisensory rooms for Down Syndrome is a useful resource for more ideas and inspiration!
Down Syndrome Equipment
Some great tools for engaging individuals with Down Syndrome:
- Balance Beam
- Bubble Tubes
- Fiber Optics
- Sound Boards
- IRIS Sensory Room
- Ball Pool
- Interactive LED Fanlite
We offer FREE Room Design Service. If you need assistance with designing a sensory space that encourages movement, balance, speech, and awareness, just reach out to us. Our expert sensory advisers can advise you on the best sensory down syndrome products and can help you create the perfect environment for your particular needs.
Get in touch today! Call us toll free at 1-800-882-4045 or Email us