Downs Syndrome
About 600 babies with Down’s syndrome are born in the UK each year. Down’s syndrome affects people of all ages, races, religious and economic situations. For every 1,000 babies born, one will have Down’s syndrome. It is only recently 1866 that Downs Syndrome was actually described as a condition by Doctor Down, hence the name.
Nothing done before or during pregnancy can cause Down’s syndrome. It occurs in all races, social classes and in all countries throughout the world. It can happen to anyone. What is known is that Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal irregularity, instead of 46 chromosomes usually present in each cell, there are 47 in the cells of people with Down’s syndrome.
In the last century legislation was introduced which led to the institutionalising of thousands of people with learning disabilities in institutions known as long stay hospitals and parents were made to feel ashamed of their children with learning disabilities
What is the correct terminology regarding people with Down’s syndrome?
Down’s syndrome is not a disease and therefore people with Down’s syndrome do not suffer nor are they victims of their condition. Down’s syndrome is only a part of the person, they should not be referred to as “a Down’s”. e.g. John is 29 and he has Down’s syndrome. Many of the public attitudes that still exist today stem from the policies of segregations. However there is along way to go and much work to be done before all people with Down’s syndrome, both children and adults are given the opportunity to partake fully in all aspects of community life.
Coaching a player (s) who have Down’s syndrome
Apart from following all the guidelines already stated for learning Difficulties there are a number of other areas that coaches should be aware of. Obesity is more common in people with Down’s syndrome but it is not inevitable. Lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet may cause obesity but there may also be a medical reason for weight increase. There are certain conditions, that are more common amongst the population with Down’s syndrome, that may contribute towards weight gain (e.g. under active thyroid gland).
Excessive body weight can have negative consequences for an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Children with Down’s syndrome have a basal metabolic rate that is lower than that seen in the general population. This is the rate at which a person burns calories for fuel when completely at rest or sleeping. On average, at rest, those with Down’s syndrome burned 200 to 300 fewer calories per day.
For many young players with Down’s syndrome if they do not change eating or exercise habits to compensate for this decrease in energy requirements, weight gain may occur. Therefore it is much easier to prevent obesity rather than to cure it. If the coach can incorporate regular exercise with good general nutrition Obesity can be avoided.
The player’s parents or carers should supply the coach with information acquired from a medical specialist on diet and exercise advice. It is because football is a game of skill, balance and agility it has many benefits, especially for those who constantly play. It has multiple health benefits as it is a regular aerobic physical activity which increases an individual’s fitness level.
Through constant practices, individuals will observe a marked improvement in their psycho-motor skills, physical endurance and agility as well as mental capacity in terms of will power as one trains their determination to score a goal.
The coach should appreciate that physical activity reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, improves mood and promotes a sense of well-being in an individual. The social benefits of a team sport, teaches individuals how to be a participating contributing member and encourages discipline especially when rules need to be followed. As well as giving them the opportunity to develop friendships.