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Down Syndrome Education Online offers comprehensive information about Down syndrome, including articles,
books and scientific papers.
Down Syndrome Education Online is published by Down Syndrome Education
International, a leading research and information organisation. Publications
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Recent highlights and features
Learning to learn
Aspects of short and long-term memory can present challenges for people with Down
syndrome. Some of these impact language development and many other aspects of learning.
To what extent can we do something about these difficulties? Can practice improve memory abilities?
Past research suggests it is possible. What further research is needed?
In the archives:
Reading
Reading is often a relative strength for young people who have Down syndrome. Early
reading can provide a useful support for early language development.
Young people with Down syndrome are increasingly gaining useful reading skills. Some are achieving age-typical
reading skills. What accounts for wide variations in progress? What further research is needed to identify
the most effective ways of teaching reading?
'Smart' mice
Mice that carry additional copies of genes comparable to some of those present on
human chromosome 21 have been shown to perform better on memory tests when treated with drugs that target
brain function. Could this be an important breakthrough?
What are these genetically engineered mice and how do they help us understand the condition experienced
by humans who have Down syndrome?
Folate metabolism
It has been suggested that certain versions of some genes can increase the risk of conceiving a baby
with Down syndrome. If this is the case, then people who have Down syndrome may be more likely to carry
these versions of these genes and perhaps experience associated problems in folate metabolism. Studies
to date have found conflicting results, suggesting that these gene variants may be part of a more complex
picture.
The costs of genetic screening policies
Despite the wide availability of prenatal genetic screening and terminations, the
rate at which babies who have Down syndrome are being born is rising in England and Wales. Meanwhile,
many babies that do not have Down syndrome are lost following invasive testing.
An editorial in Down Syndrome Research and Practice presents an analysis
of national registry data and the issues raised by genetic screening in practice. It is accompanied
by a essay describing a mothers' experiences of prenatal testing.
Seeing numbers
Understanding number concepts and basic mathematical skills is important for many
everyday activities in modern societies. Little is understood about the numeracy abilities of people
with Down syndrome. However, some teaching approaches that seek to utilise certain relative strengths
to communicate number concepts seem to be useful in practice.