22Q Deletion Syndrome in the Classroom -A Teachers Guide
Dear Teachers,
First let us thank you for seeking out information about 22q Deletion Syndrome (also known as VCFS, or DiGeorge). We obviously couldn't tell you everything on a web page but below you
will find a great place to start. Please take some time to understand the common hurdles young people diagnosed with this disorder must face. We know nobody knows better
than a teacher, just how unique each child is and we hope this reference will give you a few pearls of wisdom about 22q and the unique learning style of a student that may be currently
sitting in your classroom. If you would like to speak with a teacher who has practical experience with students diagnosed with 22q Deletion Syndrome, please contact info@22qfamilyfoundation.org.
Adapting Curriculum and Placement for Students with 22q Differences
22q differences are a neurodevelopmental disorder that follows a relatively predictable path. Most students are successful early in their educational careers learning to decode words, identify numbers and letters, and with rote skills such as counting. Many lower elementary school students can be serviced successfully in a general education environment with support and perform close to academic expectations. However, around third grade, it becomes clearer that mastery of curriculum is more challenging. Most students require special education placement and/or specially designed instruction. In this population, IQ is not static and may decline over time. It is paramount that schools recognize this and frequently test these students so that the curriculum matches their ability. Schools must also understand that students with 22q need a robust and well thought out transition plan that focuses on functional skills.
We offer a variety of resources and support for educators to best support these unique learners.
22q School Success: A Handbook for Educators and Parents of Students with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.
22q Family is now providing free copies of this booklet to help support parents and educators. This booklet covers education trends for students with 22qDS from pre-k through high-school, including:
- Recommendations for educators by grade level
- Things to look out for by subject area
- Important information for your school team to keep in mind
- Other invisible differences of this condition
Download your own digital copy or request a hard copy to be sent to you below.
Created by Donna Cutler-Landsman M.S. (Cutler-Landsman Consulting LLC), Melinda Taylor B.A., CNA (22q Clinic at Children's Hospital Colorado) and Lindsey Garcia (22q Family Foundation)
Common Strengths
- Simple, focused attention
- Rote verbal learning and memory
- Ability to remember well-encoded information
- Spelling and grammar
- Computer skills
- Word processing speed
- Kinesthetic abilities (such as dance or karate) However, low muscle tone is common.
- Rhythm and musical talent
- Willingness to learn
Common Difficulties
- Language – both receptive and expressive language
- Visual-spatial skills & memory
- Non-verbal processing
- Abstract reasoning
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Executive and adaptive functioning
- Social & emotional functioning, including high levels of anxiety
- Complex verbal memory
- Working & encoding memory
- Reading comprehension
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22q Student Success: A Handbook for Educators
Tools and Resources for Educators
A student with 22q differences often has a complicated learning profile and most students need carefully crafted educational programs to be successful. Having behavioral, educational, and family support may help reduce the impact this condition has on learning. We offer a variety of resources to support educators' understanding about the unique learning style of a student with 22q.
Understanding 22q Medical Conditions
22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that can cause a wide range of health and developmental issues, including: heart defects, breathing issues, problems with gastrointestinal tract, immune and endocrine systems, differences in the palate, slow growth, autism/developmental delays or learning disabilities in some individuals. Children with this condition may have many or only a few of the symptoms, each varying severity.