Down Syndrome

This book considers the full life cycle of a person with Down syndrome and outlines practices and activities that will foster constructive patterns of movement from infancy through childhood and adolescence to later adulthood. People with Down syndrome are increasingly encouraged to participate in community activities, and effective patterns of movement need to be established during early childhood to aid their social integration and acceptance. This book considers the full life cycle of a person with Down syndrome and outlines practices and activities that will foster constructive patterns of movement from infancy through childhood and adolescence to later adulthood. By providing a background for understanding the movement of persons with Down syndrome, detrimental patterns of movement can be avoided. Incompetent motor behaviour can hinder the person's ability to succeed with employment, self care, and recreational activities. Obesity, awkward gait, clumsiness, and the lack of fine motor skills are likely to impede social acceptance and personal satsifaction. If such maladaptive attributes are to be avoided, effective patterns of movement need to be established during early childhood. Written for professionals working in the field of developmental disabilities, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physical and special education teachers, and nurses, this book is also suitable for students for courses in movement and disability.