SUSS
Scripture Union Special Support
Down’s Syndrome
The most common form of learning difficulty~1 in every 1000 live births.
Typically, children with Down’s Syndrome;
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have a learning difficulty that may will range from mild to severe
have short arms and legs with low muscle tone and coordination difficulties.
often have a degree of hearing impairment that fluctuates on different days.
many have good visual ability and enjoy sign language and imitating actions
will imitate other children’s behaviour
often have short term memory difficulties and may forget new skills.
may well find change hard
may have speech and language impairment
have a short concentration span
tire easily as they do not always sleep effectively
may be emotionally volatile
enjoy tactile activities
can be caring and enjoy helping others
Strategies:
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Get eye contact before talking by using the child’s name or touching gently
on the arm.
Use signing, facial expression, gesture, pictures and objects.
Regular routines with pictorial schedules can be helpful
Repeat other children’s comments or answers aloud.
Use multi-sensory activities
Give the child plenty of time to respond. Listen carefully and you will
understand more approximate words
Have short activities
Have an place to go to rest for a while
Do not assume a child will remember a skill or instruction
Remember that ability may be very different on different days
Give clear notice of change of activity. You might use 10 fingers count down
Give extra time for warning of changes from routine activities. You might say
“ In 5 minutes” then “ In 1 minute” before the 10 finger countdown
Give only 1 instruction at a time using short sentences.
A carpet square will sometimes encourage a child to sit in one place
A ‘fiddle’ box might be a reward or a timed ‘chill out’ activity
A ‘stress ball’ in the pocket can be a comforter
A fleece blanket to ‘cuddle’ around a child or let them ‘hide’ under may give
a sense of security that may help a child to listen to a story
Give short positive encouragements of the behaviour that is wanted in a
calm voice. E.g. ‘Stuart…….hands down please’ (rather than ‘Don’t do that
! stop hitting, pinching ….’
Pray regularly for each child that you serve alongside