|
Summary
While the published information on the reading development and reading achievements
of individuals with Down syndrome is still limited, many authors now recognise
the benefits of teaching children with Down syndrome to read and involving
them in literacy activities. Reading progress and being involved in
supported reading and writing influences speech, language and memory skills
for all children, including those with Down syndrome.
Children with Down syndrome educated in mainstream inclusive classrooms
achieve higher levels of literacy than those of similar ability educated
in special schools. Children with Down syndrome learn to read in the same
way as typically developing children but they make use of their good visual
memory skills to read and are slower to be able to use phonics. However,
when they have reading skills in the 7 to 8 year old level (based on norms
for typically developing children), they begin to use their phonic skills
independently to read and to spell, like other children.
There are considerable individual differences in rates of literacy progress
among children with Down syndrome, but if they have access to good teaching,
their reading abilities are, on average, about two years behind their age
in primary school, while language and number abilities are often more delayed,
therefore reading ability is a strength for many of the children.
Recent studies from Australia and the UK indicate that some 60% to 70% of
individuals with Down syndrome can achieve functional levels of literacy
by adult life. Children introduced to literacy as a language teaching activity
in pre-school years reach the highest levels of achievement, but individuals
may make significant progress at any age into early adulthood, and many
late starters do achieve functional levels of literacy. Reading should be
taught and pupils involved in the daily use of literacy throughout teenage
and adult years, particularly for those individuals who may not have made
progress earlier.
(Reprinted with the permission of Sue Buckley , Emeritus Professor
of Developmental Disability in the Psychology Department at the University
of Portsmouth, UK - Published August 2001.)
To obtain a copy of the full report and further information contact: The
Down Syndrome Educational Trust, The Sarah Duffen Centre, Belmont Street,
Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 1NA. Tel: 023 9282 4261. Fax: 023 9282 4265. Email: enquiries@downsnet.org.
Website:http://www.downsed.org/research/
|
80px.gif)
