Hi all info on Downs Syndrome please.

[thecloudhopper]

Hello everyone I have just been offered a job working in a play group supporting a child with Downs and just want general information, good websites etc to get me started.

He is 2.5 BTW - has no speech and only eats mush.
PS my 1st day tomorrow am rather nervouse.

Sorry about the spellings.

www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/

www.makaton.org

www.hanen.org

I've linked to makaton and hanen websites to give you some general info about communication

I would want to find out lots of info from the parents, if you haven't already (I'm sure you have! ). Undoubtedly they will have had lots of contact with a variety of professionals and will probably have reports, info etc to pass on to you. May even have an Early Support pack or Developmental Journal already filled out that will be really useful to know about. Have they had input from an Early Years Advisor or Portage input at home?

Another fab source of info is DownsEd International www.downsed.org

Don't be nervous - you'll be fine, and I bet the parents are more nervous! Just take things slowly and gently. I just wanted to know my dd would be happy and looked after safely initally, as she was physically so little. (And don't refer to him only eating 'mush' )

Thanks all for the advice

UPDATE I had a wonderful time the child is delightful and I LOVED it yes there is work t b done but he is fab

Thats good, u newhere near me cos my downs laddy has a bit of work to do!!!!

he he am in Wales, but that child has made me smile all day