Down syndrome is a birth defect that’s caused by the development of an extra chromosome. It’s important to understand that down syndrome is not an illness – rather, it describes the change in the person’s genetic structure.
Here are six important things to remember when dealing with someone with down syndrome:
Always be respectful
Remember that people with down syndrome deserve to be treated just like everyone else – they are people with emotions and ideas. They are more than their condition and should be treated as “people first”.
Slow it down a little bit
Sometimes the person might take a little longer to process information. While you shouldn’t talk to the person as if they don’t understand, it’s important to give them a second or two to respond.
Be clear and to the point
The person might struggle to follow many instructions at once, so make sure that you’re clear about what you’re asking or saying. Be specific when you ask them to do something, so that they can’t get confused. Where possible, show rather than tell!
Support the person’s goals
Instead of being negative or assuming that the person can’t do something, encourage them to try. People with down syndrome are capable of anything, when they are surrounded by the right support network.
Don’t exclude them
Just like any other person, people with down syndrome want to feel included in the conversation and activities. Don’t speak on their behalf – ask them their opinion and get to know them as a person.
Help them through it
People with down syndrome can often get fixated on a specific task, and battle to focus on anything until that task is completed. Where possible, help them with the task at hand so that they can move on.
Remember!
For more information, support and advice feel free to reach out to us on:
TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 0800 000 408
EMAIL: transneteap@mhg.co.za
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