Early development
Children with Down syndrome develop at different rates and in different ways. They have individual strengths, interests, talents, and needs.
Children with Down syndrome are helped by being socially included in their families, schools, and communities.
They learn new skills the best by being shown how to do them and by having fun ways to practice.
Like all children, they benefit from high expectations and support at home and school.
All children with Down syndrome will have an intellectual disability.
An intellectual disability affects a child’s ability to learn compared with other children of their age. It does not mean they cannot learn.
Children with Down syndrome usually take longer to reach developmental milestones and they will need some additional support.
The level of disability varies from person to person. Some people will need more support than others.
Early intervention.
Children with Down syndrome benefit from ‘early intervention’. This includes therapies to help with development of speech and motor skills (movement).
The intervention that your child receives will depend on their needs and what is available where you are. Your healthcare team or local support group will be able to direct you to these services.
How can I help my baby develop?
One of the best ways to help your baby learn is face-to-face interaction.
Copy your baby’s noises and expressions and wait for your baby to respond to you. Be patient.
You can show your baby new expressions, noises, things to touch and feel and see what your baby thinks of these.
When you play together, let your child take the lead. Copy their play and try taking turns. Encourage your child to copy you and show them the next step.
Children with Down syndrome learn well by being shown things and with lots of repetition.
They also learn the best when they are having fun!
Growing up with Down syndrome video series.
This video series shows activities for babies and toddlers guided by a physiotherapist.
Thanks to Movimento Down for making these videos and to the Down’s Syndrome Association for the English translation.