How to Integrate Down Syndrome Children

Finding ways to integrate Down syndrome children into mainstream society can be a challenge for some parents. It doesn't have to be. Children with Down syndrome can become an active part of society and can fully integrate themselves to their communities if they learn the proper rules and techniques to do so early on. Read on to learn more about how to integrate Down syndrome children.

Instructions

• 1

  Enroll your children in community activities such as sport teams, theater workshops, chorus groups or art classes. Pay attention to what your children's interests are and then help them explore those interests by looking for classes and groups in which they can participate.

• 2

  Send Down syndrome children to mainstream schools. Most schools now have special programs that allow them to integrate children with certain problems, such as mental retardation, into standard classes. Schools that offer these programs should also offer partial or total scholarships, so look for any school you like, no matter the tuition cost or area.

• 3

  Get your kids involved in volunteer opportunities. Teaching children the importance of helping others is a great way to help them integrate with the community and learn at the same time. Many volunteer organizations work with teenagers and will welcome the opportunity to integrate Down syndrome children, as long as the work required is up to their abilities.

• 4

  Talk to other parents or look for a support group to see what other parents are doing. If your child is too shy to be around other children, try to get them to socialize with other Down syndrome children first. Eventually, they can start relationships with brothers and sisters of other children and then feel more confident about approaching new people.

• 5

  Relax your expectations. Down syndrome children may not react as other kids in social situations, but that doesn't mean they can't deal with them. While the need to protect them is natural, make sure you step aside as much as possible and let them make their own mistakes.