For your child, the teenager years are a time for growth and encouragement of independence.
They will most likely have started secondary school, are continuing to develop their speech and communications skills, are gaining more independence at home and may be starting to show signs of starting puberty.
Starting secondary school is a big step for every child, and for those with Down’s syndrome, it can be an even greater challenge. As a parent, you’ll want to make the transition as smooth as possible.
It is a good idea to put your child’s primary school in touch with their new secondary school. If both schools are working together it will likely lead to a smooth transition. It is worth asking for a meeting with their new school early on to give them a chance to meet and get to know you and your child. You can also discuss the finer details around how they can cater for your child’s needs.
You could compile a profile or ‘get to know me’ booklet about your child to share with the secondary school. It could contain their likes and dislikes, a bit about their close family and their hobbies, as well as things they may find difficult or challenging.
The Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group offer a dedicated resource pack to those transitioning to secondary school. Please get in touch with us to order one.
Learning to cook meals, make themselves a drink or prepare food are just of the tasks your teenager will likely want to do as they grow up. Giving them independence at home, under your supervision and breaking everything down into small steps will only help them achieve this.
The same goes for personal hygiene. They will start learning to dress themselves, shower independently, wash their own hair, brush their teeth and for their hair. Again, with plenty of practice they will soon become proficient with these tasks.
Your child will typically hit puberty at the same age as their peers. Learning about their bodies and puberty is essential to helping our young people to be educated, aware and to stay safe. Preparing them for the physical changes as well as the emotional changes is also really important.
Talk to your child and where possible show them pictures to help them learn. Giving them the information gradually over time will help with their understanding.
Cherylin, mum to Milo has shared her experiences of puberty in a blog called “Let’s talk about puberty”. It’s a really honest account and definitely worth a read! You can read it here.
