What can we do to create better outcomes for those with Down syndrome?
Parents/Family:
Teachers/Educators:
A&E's "Born This Way"
- Use appropriate coping strategies to help with the adjustment and adaptation process
- Look at your child's unique personality and needs like you would any other child's
- Establish a strong social support network that you can look to for support and can aid/support you as you adjust and adapt.
- Avoid demand pile-up by adjusting family roles as needed
- Seek early intervention with medical and therapeutic sources
- Parents should be involved in creating a continuous, well coordinated system/plan that is delivered/fulfilled by trusted, experienced, and qualified health care professionals.
- Intensive therapy services are extremely important for a child's development
- Take advantage of community and private resources/programs
- Can be limited due to geographic location, capacity, program cost, and knowledge of such resources
- Look for programs that help children understand their experiences, emotions, and friendships
- Help them understand themselves and the feelings they have for others
- Become aware of public policy available to help with specialized education and interventions
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- https://www.disability.gov/individuals-disabilities-education-act-idea
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Teachers/Educators:
- The classroom is possibly the most important environment for establishing peer networks
- During play, teachers can try to foster and promote activities that encourage social interactions and potential friendships.
- Assist children with initiating and understanding play and play/social norms
- Provide them with scaffolding until they can begin to form their own relationships.
A&E's "Born This Way"
- This show provides some insight to the challenges, joys, and dreams Down syndrome individuals have. It shows the endless possibilities for Down syndrome individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Their parents also frequently share their feelings about their children, where their lives are, and how they feel about the future for themselves and their children.
National Down Syndrome Society
The National Down Syndrome Society has a variety of resources for parents and families to use. There is information regarding different aspects of down syndrome, helplines, local support resources, and more!
- http://www.ndss.org/Resources/
References:
Abery, B. H. (2006). Family Adjustment and Adaptation with Children with Down Syndrome. Focus On Exceptional Children,
38(6), 1-18.
Guralnick, M. J., Connor, R. T., & Johnson, L. C. (2011). The Peer Social Networks of Young Children with Down Syndrome
in Classroom Programmes. Journal Of Applied Research In Intellectual Disabilities, 24(4), 310-321.
Jobling, A., Moni, K. B., & Nolan, A. (2000). Understanding friendship: Young adults with Down syndrome exploring
relationships. Journal Of Intellectual And Developmental Disability, 25(3), 235-245.
Marshall, J., Tanner, J. P., Kozyr, Y. A., & Kirby, R. S. (2015). Services and supports for young children with Down syndrome: parent and provider perspectives. Child: Care, Health & Development, 41(3), 365-373.
Photo was purchased/downloaded form www.dreamstime.com and is royalty free
Abery, B. H. (2006). Family Adjustment and Adaptation with Children with Down Syndrome. Focus On Exceptional Children,
38(6), 1-18.
Guralnick, M. J., Connor, R. T., & Johnson, L. C. (2011). The Peer Social Networks of Young Children with Down Syndrome
in Classroom Programmes. Journal Of Applied Research In Intellectual Disabilities, 24(4), 310-321.
Jobling, A., Moni, K. B., & Nolan, A. (2000). Understanding friendship: Young adults with Down syndrome exploring
relationships. Journal Of Intellectual And Developmental Disability, 25(3), 235-245.
Marshall, J., Tanner, J. P., Kozyr, Y. A., & Kirby, R. S. (2015). Services and supports for young children with Down syndrome: parent and provider perspectives. Child: Care, Health & Development, 41(3), 365-373.
Photo was purchased/downloaded form www.dreamstime.com and is royalty free
- https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-group-reading-nursery-small-students-sitting-around-teacher-their-school-hall-book-to-them-image73729526#res17063987