Down Syndrome-Home Treatment
Down Syndrome-Home Treatment
Down Syndrome Guide
Keep encouraging your child to learn, socialize, and be physically active. Here are some tips:
Socially, teens who have Down syndrome have the same needs as everyone else. Most will want to date, socialize, and form intimate relationships. You can help your child develop healthy relationships by teaching appropriate social skills and behavior. Peer acceptance and self-esteem are affected by how well your preteen or teen addresses these issues.
Here are some tips:
During your child's teen years, you may also want to start planning for your child's future jobs and living arrangements. Many people who have Down syndrome live independently as adults in group homes or apartments with support services. But most group homes and community centers require a basic level of self-sufficiency, such as being able to eat, dress, and bathe independently. Vocational training helps many young adults learn how to work in many settings, such as stores, restaurants, and hotels.
Down Syndrome - Home Treatment
Down Syndrome Guide
- Topic Overview
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
School-age children
Keep encouraging your child to learn, socialize, and be physically active. Here are some tips:
- Be involved with your child's education. Most children who have Down syndrome can be included in a regular classroom. Your child may need an adapted curriculum and may sometimes attend special classes.
- Know that your child has a legal right to education. These laws also protect your rights as a parent to be fully informed about or to challenge educational decisions concerning your child.
- Be active with your child. This will help your child feel better, whether or not he or she has weight problems. To learn more, see:
Adolescents and teens
Socially, teens who have Down syndrome have the same needs as everyone else. Most will want to date, socialize, and form intimate relationships. You can help your child develop healthy relationships by teaching appropriate social skills and behavior. Peer acceptance and self-esteem are affected by how well your preteen or teen addresses these issues.
Here are some tips:
- As your child enters puberty, teach proper grooming and hygiene.
- Encourage your child to take part in school and community activities. Teens usually graduate from high school, unless their disabilities are severe. Provide opportunities for your child to form healthy friendships. This is critical for your child's happiness and sense of belonging.
- Be aware of the social difficulties and vulnerabilities your child faces. Start early to prepare your child for healthy adult relationships and the possibility of an intimate relationship.
- Teach respect for his or her body and the bodies of others.
- Talk openly about your morals and beliefs.
- Provide sex education that is honest and presented in a way that your child can understand. Talk about the reproductive and intimate aspects of sex.
- Discuss birth control methods and safer sex practices to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
During your child's teen years, you may also want to start planning for your child's future jobs and living arrangements. Many people who have Down syndrome live independently as adults in group homes or apartments with support services. But most group homes and community centers require a basic level of self-sufficiency, such as being able to eat, dress, and bathe independently. Vocational training helps many young adults learn how to work in many settings, such as stores, restaurants, and hotels.
