- Inclusion: Students with special needs should be full members of age appropriate inclusion classes to the extent they can be. The strategies you use to reach and teach the student with Down Syndrome will often be beneficial to many learners in the classroom. The inclusion environment is less likely to stigmatize and provide a much more natural environment for the students.
- Self-Esteem: The physical characteristics of a student with Down Syndrome will often result in a lowered self-esteem which means you will need to take every opportunity to boost self confidence and instill pride through a variety of strategies.
- Intellectual: Students with Down Syndrome usually face many intellectual challenges. Strategies that work for mildly intellectually disabled students and or students with significant learning disabilities will also work with students with Down Syndrome.Although literature has stated that most individuals with Down syndrome do not progress beyond the intellectual capabilities of a normal developing six to eight year old, always strive to move the child progressively along the learning continuum, never assume the child isn't capable. Solid intervention and high quality instruction have been proven to lead to improved academic achievement for students with Down Syndrome. Use as many concrete materials and real world authentic situations as is possible. Use language appropriate for student understanding and speak slowly when necessary. Always break tasks into smaller steps and provide instruction for each step. Remember, a student with Down Syndrome will usually have a good short term memory.
- Distractability: Students with Down Syndrome are often easily distracted. You'll need to employ strategies that work to minimize distractions such as keeping the student away from the window, using a slightly more structured environment, keeping the noise level down and having an orderly classroom where students are free from surprises and know what your expectations, routines and rules are.
- Speech and Language: Students with Down Syndrome all suffer from serious problems such as hearing difficulties and articulation problems. Sometimes they will require speech/language intervention and a great deal of direct instruction. In some cases, augmentative or facilitated communication will be a good alternative for communication. Use patience and model appropriate interactions at all times.
- Behavior Management Techniques used for other students should not differ for the student with Down Syndrome. Positive reinforcement is a much better method than anything negative. Reinforcers need to be meaningful.