Another way to change the conversation is to start having it early with children so that by the time they are school age and even adults, the stigma and fear is no longer a part of the topic.
When they are very young, most children won't even think twice about the differences in their peers, so it might not be something to bring up. Let it come up naturally.
When they do start to ask questions, consider the age of the child asking. Young preschool and elementary school-aged children probably don't need a detailed explanation involving extra chromosomes. An explanation that their friend has something called Down syndrome and that it causes them to learn differently and/or causes certain things to not come as easily may be all it takes.
If a child asks "What's wrong with" their friend, it's important to address that there is nothing wrong with the child who has DS. If they ask this in public about a stranger, it is easy hush them through our embarrassment and quickly remove ourselves from the situation, but this reaction only stresses the child's feelings that something is "wrong." Instead, if possible, talk to the parents of the child and the child. Our children learn by watching, and if we avoid interaction with people with different abilities, this implies that there is something to be uncomfortable about.
It's important to have a discussion about how we all have differences and that these differences make us special and unique. However, helping the child focus on the things they have in common (they both like to read books, color, play tag, listen to music, etc.) with their friend will remind them that their friend is more alike than different.
I so appreciate those who have contacted me about this topic and who want to "get it right" when talking with their children. The fact that you care enough to want to find out more already shows you're on the right track.
Here are several books for children that discuss Down syndrome:
- 47 Strings. Tessa's Special Code
- We'll Paint the Octopus Read
- My Friend Isabelle
- The Prince Who was Just Himself
- My Friend Has Down Syndrome
No comments:
Post a Comment