Understanding and Supporting a child with Downs Syndrome

Children with Down syndrome tend to be strong visual learners, socially motivated and quick to copy the people around them. Too often, though, planning starts from what they can't do, and expectations stay low right through to adulthood.

This course is led by an occupational therapist with more than 25 years' experience with children and young people with Down syndrome, and it starts from their strengths. You'll understand why some things are harder, from low muscle tone to eyes that struggle to focus and frequent glue ear. In class, that means a printed copy of the board beside the child, a small, consistent team of adults, sign-supported speech, and backward chaining so the child finishes each task themselves.

It also looks further ahead, to a curriculum built on practical skills, plenty of play and movement, and real jobs and responsibilities that point towards paid work.