Down syndrome is the result of an additional chromosome 21. It is the most common cause of the developmental disability. Down syndrome is associated with a range of developmental difficulties which include delayed motor skills (such as sitting, crawling, and walking in infancy) and delayed cognitive skills (such as speech and language acquisition and short-term memory abilities).
Unique Challenges in Sports & Coaching Points:
- Low muscle tone: Strengthening exercises are good.
- Decreased balance and coordination: Extra repetitions, go at their pace but challenge.
- Decrease cognition: Simplify instruction. Check for understanding.
- Possible neck instability: No headers!