Elementary School Age

Preparing for the Future

Supports Coordination You must prepare far in advance for your child’s “secondary transition” out of the school district into post-school activities. Register your child now with the Montgomery County Supports Coordinator so that your child is on the county’s radar for services after school. ABLE Account You can contribute now […]

Safety

It’s never too early to teach your child about safety and strangers. Kids with disabilities are vulnerable to strangers because they are used to being around many adults (teachers, therapists, doctors, etc.). They are more trusting, have difficulty understanding boundaries and may misunderstand social situations. The challenge is teaching safety […]

Developing Friendships

Important friendships can be formed in elementary school to help your child navigate his entire school career. Social inclusion is critical to all kids with a disability — it doesn’t matter if your child is in a learning support, life skills or inclusive regular education classroom. If your child has […]

Speech and Language

Children with Down syndrome should receive speech and language therapy in school through the student’s IEP. Some families also choose to have private speech therapy outside of school and pay for it through their insurance. Speech therapy in the school can be done one on one with a therapist (noted […]

Making Sense Of Sensory Processing

Sensory input pervades our everyday lives. It is how we make sense of the world and interact with the world around us. It is how we learn new skills and participate in play, school, work, and self-care. We have 7 different sensory systems that our brain must integrate in order […]

Children with Down Syndrome are Often Underestimated

Many children with Down syndrome understand a lot but aren’t able to express it. This can lead to fewer friends and long-term language deficits. Read more on Science Nordic

Optimizing Neurodevelopment in Individuals with Down Syndrome

The Day 1 Keynote presentation from the Down Syndrome Research Foundation’s 20th Anniversary conference, “From Good to Great: Enhancing Quality of Life for People with Down Syndrome,” Oct. 23-24, 2015, Vancouver, BC.

Educational Resources

While children with Down syndrome do have developmental delays, it is important to understand that there are ways to help them develop and improve cognitive skills. It is important to start early and to develop a plan and a schedule for the education of your child. Down Syndrome Education International […]

Health Supervision

Your pediatrician will be an important source of information and support in caring for your child. It will be important for your pediatrician to be aware of the diagnosis and to be prepared to help with caring for a child with Down syndrome. To help your pediatrician prepare for the […]