The Children Karl Schubert Worked with

 

Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome children were known since 300 AD. They were known for:  

·         round, puffy faces,

·         slanted eye

·         epicanthic folds on the eyes

·         a short nose with a broad flat bridge

·         obesity

Discovered 1924

·         “Brushfield spots”, the white or grey spots that often appear on the irises 

In 1920s these children were expected to live until about 35. 

When the Special class was running, they still thought that Down's Syndrome, or Mongolism as it was known, was an ethnic "throw-back" We now know that it happens because of a missing chromosome.

Do you think life would have been better for the children in Karl's class if they had known about the true cause at the time?   Why or why not?

Even today, women who know they are carrying a Down's syndrome child can elect to abort. How does this compare with what the Nazis wanted to do?

 

Epileptics

Earlier people thought that epileptics were possessed by demons.

There are many types of seizures.

Epilepsy is characterized by a long-term risk of multiple seizures.

Sometimes the seizures are distressing to watch.

The same seizures are not labelled "epilepsy" if they are only temporary - perhaps after a head injury - or because of a tumour.

Medication can slow patients down or cause mood changes or drowsiness.

 

Why do you think the Nazis disliked epileptics?

Why did people think that epileptics were possessed by a demon?

Is there still prejudice about epileptics now? 

Have you ever seen a seizure? What could you do to make it less disturbing?

Why do you think epileptics made up part of Karl's classes?

What would their special needs be at that time?  

Bi-polar disorder

This disorder was formerly known as 'manic depression'.

The Steiner schools soon developed an aptitude for working well with bi-polar disorder but were better at working with students who were in the "depressive" phase.

It is particularly difficult to diagnose in children and often appears first in teenagers. 

There are several medications but most have side-effects.  

 

Why would the Nazis not have liked people with bi-polar disorder? 

Can your work out why Steiner teachers in general and Karl Schubert in particular were good with students with bi-polar disorder?

Many people have mood-swings. How does this differ from bi-polar disorder?