Communication difficulties in children aged one to twelve years having Down Syndrome at Angel’s Centre for Children with special needs.

Abstract

Uganda just like other countries has a high number of people having Down syndrome but still records a small number as most of the population goes unnoticed due to several factors inclusive of stigmatization, poor screening for the condition, and discrimination in societies. Yet this population presents with communication difficulties and learning disability and are neglected in their early years of life when so many changes can be achieved hence early screening and intervention deemed necessary. In Uganda, it’s estimated that in 700 babies born one has Down syndrome and around 36000 people in Uganda have Down syndrome. It’s estimated that about 50-90% of people with learning disabilities experience difficulties in communicating. Persons with Down syndrome will typically have some level of learning disability and characteristic physical ability that are different for all individuals. Objective: To discuss communication difficulties and learning disabilities in children aged 1 to 12 years having Down syndrome at Angel’s center for children with special needs. Design: cross-sectional study. Setting: Angel’s center for children with special needs. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 30 children 1 to 12 years attending Angel’s center for children with special needs having Down syndrome between March and May 2022. Data was collected using a questionnaire and assessment forms including the following information; socio-demographic, pregnancy, family history, medical history, play, hearing, cognition, developmental milestones, reading skills, writing skills, math, and communication skills. Key words: chromosome, Down syndrome, learning disability, communication difficulties.