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October is Down Syndrome (DS) Awareness Month. I normally post all over social media about how wonderful it is to be a mummy to a child with an extra chromosome. This year I have been quiet and that’s because, quite frankly, everyone I know and everyone who follows me on social media knows how proud I am of my child. I am conscious that I am spamming everyone with the same myth busters and the same positive message they have heard for the last seven years.

However, not everyone is in my bubble of warmth and positive energy and, though I find it hard to believe, not everyone knows about Down Syndrome! So, when I had the opportunity to write something for foster carers who have been asked to look after a child with DS, it was a great chance to write about something and someone I love very much.

I started by asking my son: “what do you think people need to know to look after your sister?” He said, “They just need to know her name and that she loves hugs and don’t ever interrupt her when watching Bluey and, oh, she is so funny – she needs to be looked after by someone who likes jokes”.

That, in a nutshell, is what to find out first! Ask the child their name, their favourite things and what makes them, them.

Down’s Syndrome as a diagnosis gives you almost no clue about the child. The condition is often accompanied by ADHD or Autism, sometimes heart problems and feeding problems, and always a cognitive and speech delay. Each child with DS is as individual and unique as the next. They do not all love hugs. They are not all happy all the time – trust me. They experience and express a full spectrum of feelings just like other children. This brings me to person-first language – we ask that you say “child with Down’s Syndrome” and not “he is Down’s” or “Down’s Syndrome child”.

A nice book to read with them and any other children in your family is:

So, a child with DS has just joined your family. You have skilfully settled them in, started your logs and had meetings with all the professionals you normally meet with. What’s next? Well, there are a few professionals you will want to also ask about:

- Speech Therapist: if they have an EHCP, this person will be listed there. Otherwise, you could contact https://sparkles.org.uk/ for advice on how to get started.

- Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist: if none yet, contact the Bucks Portage Team for advice for under 4s. If over 4, contact the school re EHCP.

- Bucks Portage team: a wonderful team for pre-schoolers.

- Paediatrician: check EHCP or ask their social worker.

- Bucks Visual Impairment Team: If your child has a visual impairment – this team are wonderfully supportive and knowledgeable.

- Bucks Specialist Teaching Service: yes, for your school-age children with DS there is a specialist teaching service who will visit your child’s school and support them to teach your child accessibly.

Finally, your child will likely respond and communicate best with visuals. Ask about "Now/Next" boards. Watch lots of Mr Tumble together to brush up on your Makaton skills.

So my message is to do what you do best – love the child, listen to them, and help them make sense of their world as much as you can. If you haven’t got a great sense of humour already, you will have by the time they leave you!