down syndrome student starting school

You might be interested in the National Association for Down’s Syndrome.
http://www.nads.org

This is a US group but I’m sure would be helpful to you. There are unique problems with DS kids that are addressed in a straightfoward, upbeat, and we don’t take sh** from nobody attitude.

—des

I always suggest reading out loud to any child every day. If you spend a great deal of time in the car as many families do these days, there are children’s books on tape that make good listening.

It’s helpful if you can to volunteer at the school. I used to volunteer as the library mother years ago when my son’s class was in the library and it allowed me to meet his schoolmates and see how they all interacted with each other. The teachers can appreciate that you volunteer and it can help you to build a better relationship with teachers.

I took my own son down to the school even before he went there. The school should allow you to walk around with your daughter and show her where she will be going to school. I did that also the day before school opened as well.

Playdates with other children in her class can help her to make and keep friendships so if your schedule allows, I’d suggest inviting other classmates over to play when you can.

Have pics on everything. Develop a communication board /s. Allow the child to choose pictures….in EVERY activity. They should be given a constant opportunity to communicate and participate. Make sure the word is printed on the pic. This incourages language use AND reading. Sign language also actually encourgages oral language development. If you have access to some simple assistive communication, technololgy, switches and computer programs (there are TONS of great software programs), give those a try. You must be so excited! I mainstreamed all the students with Downs into the general ed. classes! It worked wonderful! I frightened a few teachers on the way, but they ended up very much enjoying the experience. AWESOME!

Were any of your students non speakers. Our student does not talk other than few funstional words. She does understand all that you say? I agree that the teachers are scared. The Year 1 teacher of our incoming student is very very keen, but a little overcome at the tasks ahead of us all.

thanks for the ideas about the communication board.

I consult on a case of a child with multiple handicaps including mental retardation. He is also non-verbal. He has been taught simple sign language (mainly nouns and essential words) and he does use them. I think you do have to give hte child a means of expressive language, either signs or a picture type system.

Janis

I had an aquantance at the place I used to work, and her daughter has Down’s. She worked with her with signs for several years and prayed and prayed that she would talk. You should be careful for what you pray for as she does talk now and never shuts up. :-)

All the early intervention paid off with this kid who is pretty well mainstreamed and so on and very similar to her kindergarten peers.

I’d recommend signs. Another thing to look into is something called PECS, picture exchange communication system. There are a couple excellent books on teaching Down’s kids to talk and a later one for teaching reading (tend to have good memory which helps).

I still would recommend a local group (see if NADS crossed the pond or some incarnation thereof). This has been a great resource to this woman.

—des