Down syndrom in preschool children

Downov sindrom poznat i pod nazivom Trisomija 21, najčešći je genetski poremećaj koji pogađa 1 od 650 djece. U radu je prikazan povijesni pregled Downovog sindroma i najčešća fizička obilježja djece koja boluju od ovog sindroma. Također, prikazane su psihološke osobitosti kod djece rane i predškolske dobi, ali i bolesti s kojima se najčešće susreću. Opisan je razvojni tijek kroz kognitivne, socijalne i emocionalne karakteristike djeteta s Downovim sindromom. Objašnjava se važnost rane razvojne intervencije te uloge roditelja i odgajatelja. Igra kao temeljna i najvažnija aktivnost u djetinjstvu, od izuzetne je važnosti za razvoj u svakom pogledu. Stoga su prikazani neki primjeri igara koji se koriste u rehabilitaciji, ali i vrtiću općenito.Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is the most common genetic disorder affecting 1 in 650 children. This paper presents a historical overview of Down syndrome and the most common physical characteristics of children suffering from this syndrome. Also, psychological features and most common diseases in children of early and preschool age are described. This paper describes the developmental course through the cognitive, social, and emotional characteristics of a child with Down syndrome. The importance of early developmental intervention and the role of parents and educators is explained. Play, as a fundamental and most important activity in childhood, is extremely important for development in every way. Therefore, some examples of games used in rehabilitation, but also in kindergarten in general, are presented