What would DS (with Downs) appreciate for his first Christmas?

[Alibobbles]

Friends and family are starting to ask what my DS2 would like for his first Christmas. I already have stacks of toys from DS1 but wondered if anybody had any suggestions for toys etc that would help to stimulate his senses. We have ordered a bubble lamp and disco light for him but can't think of anything else!

I am sure he would like pretty much what any other child of his age would like.

I'd be careful not to overwhelm him with too many flashing beeping toys. The most stimulating and (if you are interested in this aspect) educational thing you can do for him is to talk to him a lot, play with him, sing to him and read to him.

Or go on a makaton course and ask family to club together and pay. That will be an invaluable gift for him.

(I'm a SALT and work with a lot of kids with DS btw.)

Thanks Moondog. He's very sociable and loves a good chin wag even though he's only 4 months so thats good.

I was thinking of doing a makaton course so will def persue that one. I've been encouraged by DS1 who has just started school and the teacher signs during her lessons so he comes home and teaches us. I would like to find out if there is anybody in the area (south manchester) that would come and give the family a group lesson.

Get cracking then.He's only a little tot so the earlier you start the better.Have a mosey on the official site for some info.

Seriously though ,cut right back on the all singing all dancing toys.
You need toys that make his imagination (and therefore language) work .not ones that do all the work for him.

Have fun. there are some great Makaton resources and I am sure you know (for when he's a bit older) about the fabulous Something Special?

what about some of the bumblebee dvds?

Just registered my enquiry on the Makaton.org website. I heard about these bumblebee DVD's - will check them out. my friend lent me the baby santa and baby bach dvd to go with the baby mozart we have. I've heard they are similare to these.

The thing my son has loved the most ( he also has DS and is now 13 months) is a rainshaker like the one below:

www.funjunctiononline.com/xcart/home.php?cat=81&sort=title&sort_direction=0&page=3

He has had it for months and still just thinks its fab!

I agree with the makaton suggestions.
I teach makaton to babies and toddlers and have bought numerous books, cds and dvds over the years. One of the best ones I've seen is 'Its's Signing Time' by Singing Hands. It is two lovely ladies who both had children with SN and set up their company.
Pretty sure there is a link to them on the makaton website but if not, they are www.singinghands.co.uk

'It's Signing Time' even
excuse the terrible spelling mistake but I've had two hectic classes today
BTW, in the dvd, a very large number of the children are SN, mostly Downs and it is lovely to see them getting so much enjoyment from the classes

Brilliant - Had a look on the website and thats a definite prezzie.

The rainmaker is almost identical to something I was given and you are right fizzyanddizzy, he loves it.

oh well if he likes the rainshaker...
Another thing DS loves which he got for his birthday is a WOW jiggly jimmy - a wind up monkey thing that wobbles and vibrates and makes a sound and is ace. He likes things that pop out of boxes - and is starting to try and open them himself.

I agree that makaton is ace - and anything you can use to play with and reinforce the makaton with him is fab. If its available in your area - try to get portage started as early as possible. My DS started just before he was 7 months and I think it has really helped.

fizzyand dizzy - did you mean portage.org.uk? I've not heard of this before. Just had a quick look on their website.

Hello
yes - they should be in your area - you can self refer. I think some people have mixed views about the service but we have found it great, and I definately think the earlier the child starts the better. My DS's portage worker comes to see him weekly and plays with him using makaton, flashcards, actual objects and words - he loves just the playing but I am oonvinced he is now a mini genius from having all the different forms of communication. It has also really helped us as a family think about how we help him understand what is going on around him using cues other than just speech.

Hi - yes there are two places that provide locally - It doesn't mention costs on their website. Do you have an indication of what they charge?

even better - its free!

Oh wow - that sounds fantastic. We live Trafford so we have superb support already but I'm sure this will help as well. Another thing for me to look into!