It's all in the (extra) genes. Or is it?
It is sometimes assumed that genes on the additional chromosome dictate the developmental outcomes for
people with Down syndrome. Developmental studies show that environmental factors such as the care, support
and education offered to people with Down syndrome are also critical:
Changing the 'profile' - Educational environment makes a difference to outcomes
for young people with Down syndrome. In this study, the young people who attended 'special'
schools exhibit the 'traditional' profile of particularly delayed communication skills. The young people
who attended inclusive, mainstream schools do not. (Source:
A comparison of mainstream and special education for teenagers with Down syndrome: Implications for
parents and teachers.)
People with Down syndrome can lead happy and fulfilled lives. Increasingly they are being offered the
opportunities to do so.
These opportunities have been driven by changes in social attitudes, advances in healthcare and a clearer
understanding of the developmental difficulties facing people living with the condition.
Down Syndrome Education International has been improving the understanding of the development of people
with Down syndrome for 30 years. Since 2007, we have been expanding our programme of new scientific
research focused on practical outcomes for people with Down syndrome.
Research supports change
Improved understanding of the profile of difficulties associated with Down syndrome has resulted in
effective interventions to assist communication, speech, language, literacy, motor and cognitive skills.
Many young people now achieve educational standards previously thought unattainable for people with
Down syndrome.
Read more about the impact of our research...
Opportunities matter
Down syndrome starts with an extra chromosome at conception. But this is not the end of the story. Rich
environments - including loving families, effective education, quality healthcare and social inclusion
- are vital for individual development.
History has shown that many of the levels of ability traditionally believed to be 'due to Down syndrome'
had more to do with impoverished, institutional environments and social and educational exclusion.
Developmental outcomes
Many things influence human development. Our genetic inheritance, our family life, our schooling and
health care all contribute to developmental outcomes.
Down Syndrome Education International's work is focused on improving our understanding of how all of these influences contribute to the
learning difficulties associated with Down syndrome. We then identify and evaluate practical interventions
and teaching strategies to help provide people with Down syndrome with the best possible opportunities.
The outlook is not bleak
People with Down syndrome can lead happy and fulfilling lives today. Indeed, for many people with Down
syndrome, the outlook has never been brighter. Increased life expectancy, higher educational achievements
and greater social inclusion are improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome in many
countries.
Ensuring that the best opportunities and support are offered to people with Down syndrome is at the
heart of our research programme. More effective interventions and teaching strategies can improve outcomes
for people living with Down syndrome today.
Multidisciplinary partnerships
Whilst a complete 'cure' for Down syndrome is not a realistic aim, drug therapies that help some aspects
of the condition might be found over the coming years. To be of proven benefit, these will need to deliver
outcomes ahead of those otherwise delivered by appropriate support, educational interventions and social
opportunity. Developing such therapies needs a clear understanding of development for people with Down
syndrome and the extent to which it is influenced by the additional chromosome.
Unravelling these issues needs the expertise, experience and skills of scientists in many disciplines,
including genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience and psychology. It also needs larger studies
and the accumulation of large datasets.
Our research interests include all of the influences on development and education for people with Down
syndrome - from the impact of genes to the impact of inclusion.
We are working with partners across disciplines and professions to develop the studies and the infrastructure
that will support further advances for people with Down syndrome over the coming years.
Practical focus
Our aim is to deliver demonstrable benefits for people living with Down syndrome. Our research programme
focuses on practical issues, including:
- effective early intervention
- early language development
- the developmental impact of hearing loss
- problem solving
- motor development
- early social and emotional development
- classroom reading instruction
- strategies and materials for teaching number skills and mathematics
Read more about our research projects...