Klinefelter’s Syndrome:
1. Characteristics of the disability/exceptionality – What characteristics are common
and which are less common? Are some characteristics more prevalent at different
ages? A full discussion of the characteristics should be included.
- A condition that occurs in men who have an extra X chromosome in most of their cells. The
syndrome can affect different stages of physical, language, and social development. Because
they often don’t make as much of the male hormone testosterone as the other boys,
teenagers with Klinefelters syndrome may have less facial and body hair, and may be less
muscular than other boys. They may have trouble using language to express themselves, as
well as be shy and have trouble fitting in. Boys and Teenagers, may be taller than average,
also may have a delay or incomplete puberty, as well as enlarged breast tissue, that can all
lead to lacking social development.
Many young boys will watch their friends gradually get deeper voices and body hair while
they will wait their turn for not much to change.
Boys with Klinefelter syndrome might have some or all of these physical signs:
 a taller, less muscular body than other boys their age
 broader hips and longer legs
 larger breasts (gynecomastia)
 weaker bones
 a lower energy level
 smaller penis and testicles
 delayed puberty or only going through puberty partway (or, in rare cases, not at all)
 less facial and body hair following puberty
Most teens with Klinefelter syndrome aren't likely to have major health problems. But the
condition can bring challenges later in life. For example, guys with Klinefelter syndrome may
be more likely to get some types of cancer and other diseases, like osteoporosis, a condition
where the bones become weaker later in life.
1. Misconceptions about the disability/exceptionality. What misconceptions exist?
How do these misconceptions affect the teaching and learning of students?
-A common misconception is that Klinefelter Syndrome and Klinefelter’s Syndrome are the same.
In fact, Klinefelter Syndrome is the correct way and Klinefelter’s Syndrome does not exist. It was
named for Dr. Harry Klinefelter was only one of the doctors who discovered it, he did not have the
syndrome. Another misconception is that a man with Klinefelter Syndrome is a homosexual. This
in fact is not true. Because of the effect that Klinefelter Syndrome has on the male form, people
believe because of the more feminine form it can give, that it also results in a man being gay.
2.
Accommodations for individual student. What effective practices can teachers
implement in their classrooms to assist children who have the disability/exceptionality? Are
some accommodations more effective?
- It is important to monitor development carefully and seek help for problems that are
noticed, such as with speech or language. Encourage them to participate in sports and
physical activities that will help build muscle strength and motor skills. Encourage the boys
to be independent. Be supportive but not overly protective. Be aware that some boys with
this syndrome have trouble learning and can benefit from extra assistance.
Boys with Klinefelter syndrome may have difficulty with spelling, reading, writing, and
paying attention. They may tend to be quiet, shy, and more reserved or sensitive than other
guys. Some boys with Klinefelter syndrome are less interested in sports or physical
activities.
Since so much of high-school life revolves around schoolwork and sports, guys with
Klinefelter may feel like they don't fit in or lack self-confidence. But, as men, most have
normal friendships and relationships. It is important to note, due to increased hormones,
males with Klinefelter may become overwhelmed and emotionally distressed easily. With
this in mind, pressuring these children into sports, group collaborations, and confidence
building activities with many peers may become a struggle, thus accommodations for
smaller, comfortable groups with less dominant peers that could add pressure and stress.
1. Resources for additional information. What can someone read to find out more
about the disability/exceptionality? Is there a national organization that provides
useful information? Be sure to provide a list of online resources you recommend.
http://www.genetic.org/
- KS&A (knowledge, support and action): Their mission is to help individuals with one or
more extra X and/or Y chromosomes and their families lead fuller and more productive
lives.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23207502?tool=MedlinePlus
- An article on Klinefelter’s syndrome by Blevins CH, Wilson ME. Mayo Clinic Department of
Medicine
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23118429?tool=MedlinePlus
-Clinical Review of Klinefelter’s Syndrome by the Department of Molecular Medicine at
Aarhus University Hospital
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/klinefelter-syndrome
-Information about genetic conditions and rare diseases by the U.S. National Library
of Medicine.
2. Curricular modification. What are ways you or your cooperating teacher have
modified the curriculum to assist a student with this disability or exceptionality? (If it
turns out there are no students in your classroom with the disability or
exceptionality you select, write a hypothetical example of curricular modification).
Consult the Tomlinson book for ideas.
There are no students in the classroom with this specific disorder. However, if there
were students in the classroom that needed special accommodations,keeping the
student in small groups may be a benefit for the student. For emotional sensitivity of
the student, it may be helpful to have the student participate in more small group
work so the student does not feel overwhelmed if he recognizes his differences. it is
important to establish groups in which conflicting personalities between students
who are overly dominant in conversation and cooperation can be avoided.
For a student with Klinefelter Syndrome, having a social worker available for the
student who may be emotionally unstable may be a helpful assistance. This way, the
student has an open environment to talk when the student needs to.