but with early intervention and proper education some people reach higher levels.Children with Down syndrome tend to be happy, loving, and easygoing. There may be a behavior problem in some. One in three people with Down syndrome past the age of thirty-five will have increasing senility similar to Alzheimer's disease. Average life expectancy is 50 years, but it depends greatly on the severity of health problems (Genetic Disorders.p17).Many adults with Down syndrome work in sheltered workshops, some hold regular jobs in business and industry. Down syndrome is not yet amenable to medical treatment, but better medical care of the accompanying disorders and infections now results in a normal life span instead of the previous life expectancy of about 14 years (Genetic Disorders.p11). This shows that early intervention can make a significant improvement in the quality of life for someone with this condition. Dr, Danilenko-Dixon says stimulation and relationships are important "Head Start-type programs, where children are stimulated early with appropriate sensory, motor and cognitive activities, can make a huge difference. But how the parents relate to the child- and later to the adolescent can't be underestimated as a factor influencing a Down syndrome child's development" (Exceptional children.p174). Genetics counselors can suggest parent support groups and other local resources for the family. The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) was mandated in 1975 by the Education for All Handicapped Children act to ensure some thoughtful consideration about how children would be served within the special education program (exceptional child book p171).In the HBO special Educating Peter, filmed in Plattsburgh, VA, Peter is in the third grade and has never been in school with non-disabled peers until now. The children talked about how they stared at him because he was so different. They said he was a lot smaller and had thick glasses. Peter made them n...
