Memory Problems

Q: Do children with Diwn syndrome have memory problems?

A: Long term memory is made up of implicit (automatic skills we learn like riding a bike) and explicit memory (storing of experience and events. Children with DS have more difficulty with explicit memory possibly because it conscious recall using language.

Working memory contains verbal and visual short-term memory and children with Down syndrome have much better visual short-term memory skills than verbal short-term memory.  This means that they will learn better with visual cues rather than sitting and listening to something. 

There is some research that suggests that memory training games can have improve both verbal and visual short- term memory in children with Down syndrome.