Advice from anyone would be gratefull
 

Hi
I have been told today that i am to look after a little boy with downs syndrome and was wondering if anyone know of any books or websites that can help me prepare for his education in pre-school. Any advice would be gratefull.
Thank you in advanced x:With love:

first thing arrange a meeting with the parents they are the expert not only on downs but also on this child they will be 100 times better than a website. there is a website http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
but remember this little boy isn't a condition he is a little boy who happens to have this condition, close close contact with parents best option

I have worked in schools and young adults homes with downs. I remember feeling such warmth from them. They tend to enjoy physical activity and working within a team. You might get a few hugs if your setting allows this. Just remember what ever you do or try they will normally be sure to want to try to. Most importantly have fun,, you can learn so much from them. :cheerful:

wow thank you so much for this, im looking forward to meeting him. This is a new learning curve in my career and dont want to get it wrong x

I agree with tutu the best way to get to know any child is to speak to the parents. I had a chance to work with a wonderful girl (who had downs) she used makaton to help her communicate. It is best to discuss the childs needs with the parent to enable you to actively participate in the right care specific to him.
Good luck

I agree with building the best ever links with parents and other carers. Parents will have the most intimate knowledge of their child and working together will help overcome problems and enable you all to share times of celebration.

A few aspects you might find proactively informative ..

learning and being with children
Behaviour and possible reasoning behind the use of avoidance strategies

High palate/mouth roof - possibility for food to get stuck, chewing and moving food around for longer before swallowing, also impacts on speech and drinking.

John Langdon Down's syndrome information on NHS.uk

Grooves - routines and a need for consistency or continuity akin maybe to elements of schema & ordering a world? link is also to downs-syndrome.org.uk

obsessions, repetitive behaviour and routines on autism.org.uk

Stimming

Hugs may be forthcoming, it's a physically demonstrative way to say hi, bye, I love you, I'm happy, I'm strong, I've had enough .. it's quite personal though everyone with & without ds is very different in how they express their emotions :)

Communication and language skills are of great importance: case study on talking point

The development journal for parents is a good read, training information is available on the right of that page, maybe see what's available locally?

There are many debates surrounding screening, treatments, supplements, therapy, advice, getting to know your parents will open a window on a huge amount of opinion and thoughts xx

Best wishes