Down Syndrome Behavior in Children

Down syndrome is the most common form of mental retardation. According to the Mayo Clinic, roughly one in 700 to 800 children are born with it in the United States. Many with this syndrome will show stereotypical behaviors but each should be evaluated individually.

• Children with Down syndrome enjoy social experiences just like other kids.

Identification

• Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an abnormality in the twenty-first chromosome. The result is a child with distinct physical and mental characteristics, such as a flat face, upward-slanting eyes and developmental problems.

Affectionate

• Children with Down syndrome often enjoy giving and receiving affection. It is important that they are taught appropriate times for this in order to avoid them becoming an easy target for someone with bad intentions.

Impulsive

• Children with Down syndrome often act on their thoughts without realizing the consequences, showing extreme impulsiveness.

Aggression

• Frustration can sometimes lead to aggression towards themselves or other people. This can be a result of an inability to communicate or lack of success at a skill such as social interaction, per Down Syndrome Education International.

Considerations

• Many things such as social withdrawal, repetitive behaviors, and anxiety-related behaviors indicate a lack of social understanding but could also lead to other diagnoses such as autism or depression. It is important to pay close attention since these things might require treatment of their own.