Teaching Reading Skills to Learners with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Learning to read is a challenging cognitive process that requires the memorization of new symbols, phonemic awareness, and the construction of meaning. This cognitive process may be especially challenging for learners with Down syndrome. A genetic disorder that causes mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome may no longer be viewed as completely eliminating learners' ability to learn to read. With early intervention and proper teaching and learning methods, learners with Down syndrome can learn to read and improve their existing reading skills. Therefore, the purpose of this research article is to provide information about certain teaching strategies that may enable teachers to help learners with Down syndrome learn to read and improve their existing reading skills.