Down syndrome is a genetic condition – it is not an illness or disease. Down syndrome occurs as a result of an extra chromosome. Our bodies are made up of millions of cells, and in each cell there are 23 pairs of chromosomes – or 46 chromosomes in every cell. People with Down syndrome therefore have 47 chromosomes in their cells instead of 46. This results in a range of physical characteristics- which will be defined later, health and development indications and some level of intellectual disability, which can also inhibit learning capabilities. Down syndrome is usually recognisable at birth and confirmed by a blood test
Down syndrome occurs at conception, across all ethnic and social groups and to parents of all ages. It is nobody’s fault. There is no cure and it stays with the person for life. People with Down syndrome are their own person, with unique a appearance, personality and set of abilities.the extent to which each child shows the physical charecteristics of the syndrome is no indication of his or her interlectual capacity.(Down syndrome NSW).
Fore man (2008) implies that some of the children will not have aquired the necessary social and communication skills to ensure successful inclusion. Inclusion is an educational process in which the children with and without disabilities are taught together. Foreman states that there is many benefits of a child with Down syndrome to be included in the community and the school system because the child is exposed to role models