Memory recall in kids with Downs

[Chalane (FL)]

My soon to be 9 ds (Joey) with Downs has terrible memory recall. Has anyone else had this problem and what do you suggest? BTW 1 1/2 yrs ago his IQ test results showed IQ in the mid 40's (I think it maybe slightly higher now that he has hearing aids). I've really been feeling lead that this should be a main area of focus for him for 2010.

[Hollie in SC]

:group:

[Catherine]

I saw this several days ago and wanted to respond because I knew I had an article about this that was very helpful to me. It explains how memory works and then the things that don't quite work right for our kiddos. It has several ideas of activities you can do to work on this. Most can be easily involved in regular activities and play. I think it's important to connect the visual with language, so even though Aaron is still functionally non-verbal I always name the items/activity we're doing and he responds with signs or verbal attempts. Lots of preschool games can be adapted for this kind of "play/work". We have the Lucky Duck game and use the ducks alone. I line them up (started with 2 and have worked up to 5) we look at the shapes on the bottom,then put them upright. I call out the shape and he has to remember which duck had that shape. We also use some of his vocabulary/reading flashcards, small toys under cups, concentration style games, sequencing etc.

http://www.down-syndrome.org/practice/348/?page=1

Hope this makes some sense. If not, feel free to ask more questions. I think this is a great area to focus on. I think it can help with listening and attending skills as well and Aaron really likes playing these games with me.

[Chalane (FL)]

Thanks, Catherine! I really like the way you've adapted the memory game I def. think I'll try the same thing using colors.

[AmyinWI]

our guy is a lot younger (2.5) so I don't have as much experience with this. I do know that he seems to learn things and then "forgets " them. Like he climbed up the steps once,and didnt' do it again for 4 months.

He also will learn a sign, imitate it a few times, then doesn't do it again for weeks, if at all. It's so confusing to me! I asked his therapists about it,and they said it was quite common.