Down's Syndrome

[MadreInglese]

SIL is coming to stay in the hols with her new man and his children, one of whom has Down's Syndrome (a 4yo boy). I had every intention of treating this lad the same as any other 4 year old, but is this naive of me?

I don't want to cause any offence, but then I also don't want to be giving him special treatment if it would be patronising of me to do so. DP is stressing about stairgates, etc, but it wasn't something I'd really thought much about (tbh I've given more thought to sorting enough bedding to accomodate another 5 people in the house - is that really awful?).

I have never met a child with Down's, only adults, and I'm sorry to say I don't really know much about it, so please forgive my ignorance. I would appreciate any thoughts/comments.

Thanks Fio

Hello,

I would ask SIL how they want to set up sleeping arrangements. Do they want all the kids together or, as it is the first visit, would the youngest (if he is the youngest) like to share with adults. I would also ask SIL about what all the kids like to do, this might open opportunity for her to mention particular likes and dislikes of the kids which could make life run a bit smoother. I wouldn't be offended if I was staying somewhere new with my 4yrold (who has ds) if my friend/relation asked me questions regarding safety of my child and if there were any particular arrangements that needed to be in place. My little boy does not need a stairgate but he is quite mobile and I need to be aware where he is at all times. It is when there is silence that I have learnt to go see what he is up to!

Thanks Spinosaur, sleeping arrangements are sorted (yes he is the youngest and is going in with the adults)

I think we'll all get involved in planning activities when they arrive (and we see what the weather's like!)

Hi, I agree with consulting further. My son is downs syndrome, 8 year old. He has stairgates as well as a stairlift as his mobility is not good. He has a large special needs bed but if we go anywhere he just sleeps in between hubby and I. Although we do treat him as normal as possible my son also comes with a large checklist which I would discuss in depth with whoever we were staying with, not that we do stay anywhere. My son however is on the severe end with lots of issues whereas my niece also downs is quite capable. HTH.