Down syndrome: an intellectual and developmental disability While researching exceptionalities in the textbook Educating Exceptional Children, I chose to delve deeper into research on Down syndrome. It is one of the most common and easily identifiable exceptions, and based on the prevalence of Down syndrome, I believe this is an exceptionality that I will identify. Identifying Down Syndrome Down syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause intellectual and developmental disabilities. People with Down syndrome have a common desire to have an additional chromosome; instead of 46, they have 47 chromosomes. Down syndrome occurs in approximately one in 733 births, making it one of the most common birth defects (Cadsa). The physical traits shared by children and adults with Down syndrome make this genetic defect easily recognizable. As described on the website, The Arc (2010), these physical traits can include flattening of the back of the head, eyelids that slant up and out, small skin that folds in at the corner inside of the eyes, a flat nose, small ears and a small mouth that will make the tongue look large. Most will have reduced muscle tone, loose ligaments, small hands and feet, and overall a smaller statue. There are two characteristics that are not so recognizable and affect fifty percent of people with Down syndrome; a line across the palm and a large space between the first and second fingers. Like most exceptions, not all children will have all of the physical characteristics described and may exhibit only some of them, but others will exhibit the more severe attributes of Down syndrome. Physically and intellectually, children and adults with Down syndrome will have a broad spectrum of functioning. Usually, that… mid-card professional therapist and, of course, the child's family. For a child to become a successful adult it is very important that everything taught in school is also applied at home. Conclusion Research has shown that children with Down syndrome benefit greatly from early intervention. According to the child's needs there are many specialists that can be obtainedWorks CitedCapital Area Down Syndrome AssociationAbout Down SyndromeArcDown Syndrome• A to Z of Brain, Mind and Learning2005-2013 Remedium“What is Cognitive Development” http ://www.learninginfo.org /sviluppo-cognitivo2.htm • Down Syndrome Education International“Development and learning”2013http://www.dseinternational.org/en-gb/about-down-syndrome/development/