How To Help Children And Young People

Children and young people with Down's syndrome are likely to have some level of learning disability. This means they may need help with daily life.

The things they need help with are different for each person. And this can change as they get older.

Things you can do to help a child with Down's syndrome

You can try these things to help with their development.

Do

praise them when they learn something new
speak clearly and calmly so they can learn from you
play, sing songs and read books together to help with sounds and words
try showing them how to do something instead of just giving instructions - this can be easier to follow
try ways to help them communicate, such as Signalong or Makaton
try to set routines so they feel more settled - for example, for getting up and at mealtimes
encourage them to be healthy and active
look out for changes in mood or behaviour - they may not be able to tell you if something is wrong or if they're unwell
take them for regular hearing, eyesight and health checks

Don't

do not talk down to people with Down's syndrome - treat them like anyone their age
do not just talk to parents or carers, talk directly to people with Down's syndrome
do not use outdated and offensive language when talking to people with Down's syndrome

Find out more

Choosing a school or college

Lots of children with Down's syndrome go to mainstream schools.

There are also special schools and colleges for children and young people who might need more help.

Where your child goes depends on:

the help your child needs
what's available where you live

You can visit schools and colleges in your area and ask the staff how they can meet your child's needs.

Special educational needs support

Children with Down's syndrome will get special educational needs support at their school or college.

This might include things like:

extra support from a teacher or assistant
help taking part in lessons
support with things like eating and getting around school

Find out more about support children with special educational needs can get on the GOV.UK website

If your child needs more support

You can apply for an education, health and care plan (EHC plan or EHCP).

This plan says what education and health needs your child has and what support they should get.

Having an EHC plan can either help:

the school get extra money to support your child
you apply for a place at a school that's better for your child

Find out how to get an EHC plan on the GOV.UK website

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