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 NorthlandDSSG@gmail.com