Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal condition in the United States, affecting about 1 in every 700 babies (CDC). This condition is also known as Trisomy 21, due to there being an extra copy of chromosome 21 (CDC). This extra chromosome results in changes in the development of the brain and body, which in turn can lead to cognitive and physical challenges (CDC). Some hallmark physical characteristics include almond shaped eyes that slant up, smaller hands and feet, shorter stature, small ears, and a flattened face, particularly near the bridge of the nose (CDC). Individuals with DS usually have and IQ of mild to moderately low range, however, there is a large continuum of functioning within the population (CDC). DS is co-morbid
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Repetitive behaviors can be described as “behaviors characterized by frequency, repetition, inappropriateness, and invariance” including “stereotyped and self-injurious” behaviors (Source 5). Repetitive behavior and restricted interests (RBRI) exists as part of the repertoire of typical children and adults across cultures. (source 4) However, RBRI’s are more common in children with disabilities, including DS, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Studies show that children with DS show similar mental age-related changes in compulsive/repetitive behavior as a comparison group without DS (source 1). Younger children with and without DS exhibit more compulsive behaviors than older children (source 1). Also, children with DS display the same number of repetitive, ritualistic, and “Just Right” behaviors that are considered typical in early development (source 1). These behaviors exist on a continuum from “motoric repetitive behaviors (e.g., stereotyped movements and self-injury) or lower-order repetitive behaviors to more complex behaviors (e.g., ordering, checking, washing) or higher-order repetitive behaviors” (source 5). Children with DS engage in more frequent intense repetitive behaviors at each mental level than their typically developing counterparts (source
Repetitive behaviors can be described as “behaviors characterized by frequency, repetition, inappropriateness, and invariance” including “stereotyped and self-injurious” behaviors (Source 5). Repetitive behavior and restricted interests (RBRI) exists as part of the repertoire of typical children and adults across cultures. (source 4) However, RBRI’s are more common in children with disabilities, including DS, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Studies show that children with DS show similar mental age-related changes in compulsive/repetitive behavior as a comparison group without DS (source 1). Younger children with and without DS exhibit more compulsive behaviors than older children (source 1). Also, children with DS display the same number of repetitive, ritualistic, and “Just Right” behaviors that are considered typical in early development (source 1). These behaviors exist on a continuum from “motoric repetitive behaviors (e.g., stereotyped movements and self-injury) or lower-order repetitive behaviors to more complex behaviors (e.g., ordering, checking, washing) or higher-order repetitive behaviors” (source 5). Children with DS engage in more frequent intense repetitive behaviors at each mental level than their typically developing counterparts (source