Key considerations for educators who have students with 22q11.2DS

  • Students with 22q11.2DS often have multiple medical conditions in addition to their learning needs. They may have various medical and specialist appointments that can take away from learning time.

    • Providing students with visual aids, written reminders and key word cues are beneficial regardless of the student’s chronological or developmental age.
  • Symptoms of anxiety and other psychiatric illnesses may begin to present during adolescence. Anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder and sometimes autistic features may be apparent at younger ages.

  • Due to medical and psychiatric conditions, students with 22q11.2DS may be receiving medications or other treatments. Their normal functioning may become affected by the side effects of certain medications.

  • Employability and skills necessary for activities of daily living appear to be areas of relative strength for individuals with 22q11.2DS. Co-op programs are often a good way for students to learn useful skills and obtain course credits.

  • Admissions offices at post-secondary institutions will be able to provide specific information regarding special educational programs available for students with learning disabilities.

    • Encouragement in seeking available support is needed as these students are often reluctant to be labelled. Students are often unaware of multiple financial supports available to them, and may require assistance in coordinating with financial aid offices and filling out required forms.