Learning Difficulties in Intellectual Disabilities: Differences Between Some Genetic Syndromes

This article summarises the main learning difficulties in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS), Williams Syndrome (WS), Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A systematic comparison of learning and functional difficulties in these four syndromes reveals the existence of partial syndromic specificity, the main theoretical and clinical implications of which are discussed. The second part of the paper illustrates the main stages of educational and rehabilitative interventions in intellectual disabilities. An intervention is proposed into three phases: 1) early identification and frequent monitoring of students with learning difficulties, 2) pursuit of general long-term learning objectives and assessment of intermediate performance, and 3) developing coordinated and differentiated teaching interventions for all students.