The Kind Intelligence in Children with Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome, also commonly referred to as Trisomy-21, is a genetic disorder. You probably knew that when you came to this blog. You may also then be in the know that a general search on it presents parents with grave information. The general outlook states that it is a genetic condition which involves intellectual disability and developmental delay. The part that feels most devastating for a Down Syndrome diagnosis is a lack of cognitive development - where understanding, reasoning, emotional expression, cognition, intellect and mental capacity are identified as poor and largely untreatable. 

On the other hand, anyone who has met a person diagnosed with Down Syndrome, knows that being with these individuals is delightful. They are sweet and sensitive along with an unwitting capacity to offer emotional comfort. They have an honesty that instantaneously makes you feel safe. Moreover, their gentleness gives you hope. And if you have lived with them any amount of time, you know that they are very smart! They have that twinkle in their eye. If you’ve seen it, you know exactly what I mean. Right away, the information out there about poor cognitive ability contradicts this obvious intellect.

At Doman International, we have helped thousands of children with Down Syndrome in the last 50 years. While Down Syndrome is a genetic condition, we have discovered that it affects neurological organization and function. Given its neurological symptoms, we have found that children with Down Syndrome respond positively to the Doman Method®. The most natural course of action for us has been to trust their innate intelligence and know that it can only grow if given the opportunity to do so. So what is it that we do differently?

1. We teach them to read. Reading is a capacity for visual comprehension, a sophisticated human ability to understand the written word. It is also a life-skill and can be taught methodically with great success using the Doman Method Reading Program.
   Reading facilitates exposure to new information, enhancing understanding, reasoning and sustaining excellent cognitive ability.

2. We teach them math. Math is another life-skill to understand quantities and numbers. Whether it be an understanding of days of the week, time of the day, one’s age or earning a living, math is the common underlying principle. Again, it can be successfully taught using the Doman Method Math Program.
   Math engages higher functions of cognitive problem solving and understanding operational relationships or causal relations.

3. We provide sensory stimulation. Often, Down Syndrome comes with sensory issues of sensitivities to touch and sounds - displayed through frequent hugs, open mouth breathing, loud volume in speech, echolalia or repetitive speech and disorganized speech. The Doman Method Sensory Integration programs support strengthening the neural pathways to perceive sensory stimuli more appropriately. This helps cognitive development to be more focused and enhances cognitive learning ability.

4. We enhance speech development. Speech is a function of coordinated muscles provided there is enough respiration to produce a sound. The Doman Method Oxygenation Program combined with the right amount of physical activity and a recommended diet regime improves the quality of respiration. It improves muscle tone as well which usually leans on hypotonia for those diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
   Building on the foundation of excellent cognitive learning, and reduced sensory disabilities, we begin to work with speech development.

5. We teach social development. An intelligent mind needs ample room to explore and mingle with others. It enjoys sharing the gift and joy of learning. We equip a child with the tools of reading, math, and the ability to communicate effectively to thrive in different social environments. The Doman Method Social Programs are thoughtfully designed to help integrate individuals with Down Syndrome in everyday interactions both inside and outside the home.

The results we have are highly encouraging. More than 90% of our children with Down Syndrome learn to read. They are adept at learning the information presented to them and are proud to show their intellectual skills. They are confident in their social interactions and love to engage with others meaningfully. See more of our work using cognitive treatments in children with Down Syndrome in our Success Stories.

Written by: Niyati Patel