Northland Down Syndrome Support Group

Information and Resources for Schools

While every child with Down syndrome is different -- just as we are all different -- there is a significant body of research that suggests that there are common characteristics of learners with Down syndrome.

This learning profile can be summarised as follows:

General Strengths of Learners with Down Syndrome

• Visual, spatial, and kinaesthetic skills, giving the ability to:

  • Use gesture, sign and symbols effectively

  • Learn and use the written word (reading and writing)

  • Learn from demonstration and visual resources

  • Learn using practical hands-on activities

  • Copy behaviours and attitudes of peers and adults

• Social skills:

  • Empathy

  • Good humour and likeability

  • Desire to communicate and participate

  • Emulation and aspiration, driven by peers

• Developing learning avoidance strategies!

General Areas of Challenge for Learners with Down Syndrome

• Delayed and impaired cognitive functioning

• Delayed fine and gross motor skills

• Hearing and visual impairment

• Delayed and impaired speech and language

• Difficulties with short term auditory memory

• Shorter concentration span

• Difficulties with consolidation and retention

• Difficulties with generalisation, sequencing, and reasoning

• Feel failure very strongly, leading to easily giving up and losing self-esteem

To support schools working with learners with Down syndrome, we offer the following services:

• Books and resources for loan to teachers, teacher aides, SENCOs, and school leaders - both primary and secondary

• Reading programmes designed specifically for learners with Down syndrome available on loan

• Numicon kits (on loan) and annual Numicon training days free of charge for schools with learners with Down syndrome

• Individualised support and advice for school staff working with learners with Down syndrome from our School Liaison Officer

For more information, please contact Jo Morrison on 0210 822 4584 or