Health and development in Down’s syndrome

They can include:

• Specific treatment programmes such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
• General education programmes where a trained home teacher works with the child and the family in their own home environment, such as Portage

Most teenagers with Down's syndrome will achieve a degree of independence. They will be able to dress themselves and speak so that their family can understand them. They will desire close friendships and have ordinary teenage interests.

From an early age many people with Down's syndrome will be aware that they are different in some ways from other children, and the encouragement of confidence and independence rather than reliance on others is important.

For further information please contact
The Down’s syndrome Association
155 Mitcham Road
London, SW17 9PG
UK
Tel: 020 8682 4001
Fax: 020 8682 4012
For more information see The Down's Syndrome Association website