Resources - Homeschooling and Down Syndrome

When we made the decision to homeschool, it took me awhile to discover that children with Down syndrome (Ds) learn differently from typically developing children and differently from others with different intellectual disabilities. While the knowledge I gained from general resources about learning and individuals with special needs was valuable to a certain degree, it wasn't until I discovered just how important specificity is as it relates to the unique learning needs of children with Ds are in creating an optimal learning environment.

Children with Ds have unique learning challenges which researchers have called a typical learning profile. So, what works for homeschooling families with typically developing children and those dealing with other types of special needs generally will not work for our children without significant adaptations to the material.

To create a more optimal learning environment, we need an understanding of the specific learning profile, which targets the child's strengths and weaknesses, and develop targeted interventions for learning success. In our children with Ds it means teaching to their strengths and understanding how their weaknesses impact learning.

Here are some of the many resources available:

Websites

These two websites have been the most valuable to me over the years. They provide up-to-date research into the way our children with Ds learn. It takes a very long time for research to appear in books intended for parents, teachers and service providers.

The Riverbend Down Syndrome Association
A wealth of information about how children with Ds learn and a homeschooling folder.

The Down Syndrome Educational Trust
Publishes research about Down syndrome from around the world.

Books and other Materials

Down Syndrome Issues and Information

Effective Teaching Strategies for Successful Inclusion: A Focus on Down Syndrome, published by the PREP Program

The Source for Down Syndrome Written by Catherine I. Chamberlain & Robin M. Strode

From Woodbine House:

Early Communications Skills for Children with Down Syndrome by Libby Kumin, Ph.D.

Classroom Language Skills for Children with Down Syndrome by Libby Kumin, Ph.D.

Helping Children with Down Syndrome Comminicate Better by Libby Kumin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (ages 6-14)

Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome by Patricia C. Winders, P.T

Fine Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome by Maryanne Bruni, BScOT

Teaching Math to People with Down Syndrome and Other Hands-On Learners by DeAnna Horstmeier, Ph.D. Book 1 and Book 2

Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome by Patrica Oelwein

Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome by Dennis McGuire, Ph.D. & Brian Chicoine, M.D. (not just about adults)

My ebook Homeschooling Children with Down Syndrome compiles much of the information and research available - one stop shopping and it's free!

The books above are a great entry into the world of homeschooling and Down syndrome. These books speak to the syndrome and characteristics/traits commonly found in individuals with Ds and provide much valuable information presented in an understandable fashion. They provide a wealth of information and take the mystery out of therapies.