Rm. Hodapp, DOWN-SYNDROME - DEVELOPMENTAL, PSYCHIATRIC, AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES, Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America, 5(4), 1996, pp. 881
Often considered the prototypical retardation syndrome, individuals wi
th Down syndrome show certain behavioral characteristics that may be e
tiology specific. These individuals show relatively high levels of soc
ial and adaptive skills but very low levels of grammar and expressive
language, as well as age- and task-related slowings as they get older.
Individuals with Down syndrome show lesser degrees of psychopathology
during childhood but more depression during adulthood. Higher and ear
lier risk for Alzheimer's disease is among the most salient associated
medical concerns, but hearing, visual, and orthopedic conditions also
are common. Specific educational, residential, and psychotherapeutic
practices may help this population.