How to Educate a Child with Down Syndrome

Every parent would do their best so that their child can be born healthy and away from disturbances. But sometimes, fate says otherwise. There are also parents who have to learn extra how to educate children with Down syndrome because their children have this problem.

What is Down syndrome itself?

Down syndrome is a condition in which a child has trisomy 21 or an excess of chromosome 21. The failure of the chromosome division process can be one of the reasons why a child has Down syndrome.

It can also happen because of the age of the parents. The older the mother is when conception and pregnancy occurs, the higher the risk of the baby having Down syndrome. So, how to educate them?

It is not an easy thing to educate a child with Down syndrome. It takes extra patience for a mother to educate a child with Down syndrome. Some ways to educate children with Down syndrome that mothers can do are as follows:

1. Familiarize yourself with information

Since Down syndrome is a condition outside of normal conditions, parents must equip themselves with a lot of information about handling children with Down syndrome. Parents need to work together with therapists, doctors or even teachers to provide a conducive and comfortable environment for the child.

When it is time for school, the child also needs to be sent to a special school with special handling and learning.

2. Accept your child's shortcomings

Accept the child's shortcomings. Many parents feel unable to educate children with Down syndrome due to lack of knowledge and lack of acceptance of the child. Mothers must know and understand that being born with Down syndrome is not God's fault, not the mother's fault and not the child's fault either.

It's all part of your destiny and it just so happens that you were given that destiny because maybe God knows you're strong. So, start learning to accept your child's shortcomings and overcome these shortcomings so that your child can grow better than his condition.

3. Utilize images and visual aids

Down syndrome children still need information and need to learn. But the way they learn is different from normal children in general. Down syndrome children generally have good visual memory so you can communicate or give directions through pictures or visual aids.

4. Use the simplest language and sentences possible

Down syndrome children often have difficulty in pronouncing things. Therefore, use simple language or sentences so that they can easily understand. In addition, use repetitive sentences in informing something as a form of direct instruction so that children understand it.

5. Create a fun and positive environment

Give more time to your children so that they can play, read and take walks with you. If your child makes a mistake, never scold them. But give positive encouragement to the child and if necessary, offer help for them.

You must be patient in providing information, instructions or directions to children with Down syndrome. Try to always create a pleasant and positive environment.

6. Provide children with activities that can trigger social interaction

To make your child willing and able to interact even if it is limited, you can invite him to role play. For example, playing the role of a patient doctor and so on. If there are other siblings at home, you can also invite them together and remind them that one child is different so that other siblings understand his condition.

7. Provide unique and adequate learning facilities

Down syndrome children usually have muscle problems. Therefore, provide tables, chairs, and also learning facilities that can support children to have good posture.

8. Pay attention to your child's interests and strengths

Remember that a child with Down syndrome is still a child. So, pay attention to them and learn about their interests. They also have interests like any other child just maybe less prominent.

Never put forward a negative perception of them so that his growth and development is not noticed by you. Devote your attention to what makes him happy and what interests him. If necessary, help your child understand and want to hone it.

Thus, a little information that we can share regarding how to educate children with Down syndrome. Hopefully it will be an inspiring review and bring benefits to all parties, especially for those of you who have children with Down syndrome. Keep up the spirit, moms.

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