How To Talk To Your Child’s Class About Down Syndrome
As a parent of a child with Down Syndrome we want our children to be happy, to be given opportunities to learn, and to be included. We know our children are “more alike than different” and we desperately want others to know it as well. I often say the hardest part of raising Max hasn’t been his disability, but dealing with how others perceive his disability.
There’s no parenting handbook that’s handed to us when we have a child and the closest thing to a handbook I found after having a child with Down Syndrome was The New Parent’s Guide to Down Syndrome.
While helpful it’s certainly not all inclusive. Admittedly, it’s been awhile since I’ve actually sat down and read it but I don't recall anything in there about whether or not you should or should not go into your child’s class and talk about Down Syndrome.
Of note, don’t expect the teacher to talk about Down Syndrome for you. Some teachers may reach out, ask, and with your permission do something but many won’t. Remember, the law prohibits school staff from discussing a child’s particular health issues with other students.
Why You Should Talk To Your Child’s Peers About Down Syndrome
This is yet again one of those situations where you have to decide what is best and it very likely will depend on your child, your school, and yourself. Max is now in high school. When he was in elementary school I went in and talked about Down Syndrome several times.
Some parents feel going into the classroom and talking about Down Syndrome will further put a spotlight on their child and potentially alienate them. Other parents see no problems. Their child is included, there are no obvious negative social issues that they’re aware of and so they feel it’s unnecessary.
During preschool I did not go in and talk about Down Syndrome. For us, I didn’t feel it was necessary yet. Max was potty trained, he was on par with his peers academically, and his behaviors were comparable to his peers. Now, for another kid and another situation there could be some real benefits.
Once Max started elementary school I could see the benefits of going in and educating his peers. In his early years Max signed to communicate and was difficult to understand when he talked. While at the Kindergarten level peers may not have really sat down to think about the why behind it they did notice.
Going in early on to talk about Down Syndrome helped me control the narrative. It allowed me an opportunity to discuss and present my child’s difference in a way that I would like it perceived. Yeah, there are some things that are different about Max but he’s still a cool kid. He’s more alike than different.
It also created an opportunity to have an honest and open conversation about disability. In addition, it set the foundation for acceptance and helped prevent misconceptions.
If we don’t talk about disability some students are going to assume it’s bad or scary because in our society we typically don’t talk about things that are bad or scary. Disability isn’t bad. It’s just different.
The Benefits Of Talking About Disability
There are a lot of benefits of talking about disability in a constructive and open environment.
It builds empathy among students which in turn has the potential to protect vulnerable students, such as students with disabilities, from bullying. Studies have shown bullies tend to have a lack of empathy. Helping children build empathy at an early age is beneficial to everyone.
It promotes inclusion and helps kids understand differences. Someone who may not look like you, talk like you, or act like you more than likely still has a lot of things in common with you. Talking about disability decreases the negative effect of implicit bias.
Finally, it teaches kids it’s ok to ask questions, but you should do so in a thoughtful and respectful manner.
When To Talk To Your Child’s Class About Down Syndrome
In my opinion, any time is a good time to educate someone about Down Syndrome. That being said, there are two times of the year that would be natural times to go in.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome awareness month and would be a fabulous time to go in and do a presentation.
This would give your child, staff, and classmates a little time to settle into the school year and get to know each other. It also gives you an excuse (not that you need one) to celebrate Down Syndrome with the class. You could bring in Down Syndrome themed cookies or cupcakes.
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st. This would also be a great time and natural opportunity to reach out to the school to go in and do a presentation to the class about Down Syndrome.
The kids were so excited for their first day of school!
Parent Tips For Giving A Class Presentation About Down Syndrome
Parent Tip #1 Practice, practice, practice.
If you decide you’re going to read a book, show a video, or talk about your child with Down Syndrome make sure you practice at home until you’ve got it down pat and are not emotional.
You may not think you’ll get emotional reading such and such a book but then when you’re in front of a class reading the book with your child. Your emotions could become a bit overwhelming.
Even if you’re crying tears of joy or getting choked up because of all the positive emotions you’re feeling the kids in your kid’s class are going to perceive it as disability is something to be sad about. Don’t cry!
Parent Tip #2 Engage the kids.
It’s going to be a better learning experience if you can engage the kids. Do an activity with them, ask questions, and engage in a conversation with them rather than just reading a book and giving a lecture.
Parent Tip #3 Be flexible.
One part of your presentation may go faster or slower than you expected. Roll with it! If things are going faster than expected, be prepared and have something extra to do. If things are going slower than expected, organize your presentation in such a way that one part near the end can easily be dropped.
Parent Tip #4 Make it personal.
When I presented to Max’s class I created a book about Max through Shutterfly. I read that book to the class after talking a little bit about Down Syndrome. It was a hit.
At that time, Max did a lot of signing and was difficult to understand. Reading the book about Max and the things he liked to do seemed to spark a connection between him and his classmates because they liked some of those things too!
There are so many websites and apps you can do this with now and you have the option of doing a book, a video, a brochure even! So many options! Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Books To Read To A Class When Talking About Down Syndrome
There are SO many books to choose from about Down Syndrome now! Consider checking them out at your local library first until you find the perfect book to read to the class. Then you can buy it after you’ve chosen the right one. Below are some book suggestions.
Taking Down Syndrome To School
Different - A Great Thing To Be
Videos To Show To A Class When Talking About Down Syndrome
You can find these two videos on YouTube and they’d be the perfect addition to a class presentation about Down Syndrome!
Everyone Counts: My Friend Isabelle would be appropriate for a younger class.
Everyone Counts: My Friend Isabelle
It can be overwhelming when thinking about going into your child’s school to give a presentation about Down Syndrome.
I know I was nervous!
The first year was definitely the hardest and with each subsequent presentation it became easier. After a few years I stopped going in because Max went to a small school with the same 50 or so peers. If we had moved or if there was a big change in peers I would have gone back in and given my spiel.
I feel going in and talking about Max having Down Syndrome helped him have a positive experience in elementary school. I also acknowledge that we were in a school with teachers and staff that were very open and supportive of the idea which helped Max be more successful.
You may wonder if your child should be present for the presentation or not. I always had Max there. It’s no secret that Max has Down Syndrome. He knows it, I know it, and we’ve always talked about it as a family openly.
Max also happens to love being the center of attention so helping me lead a discussion and presentation that was ALL about him was right up his alley! Ultimately I think that decision depends on you, your child, and the situation.
If you want to go in and talk to your child’s class about Down Syndrome but are not quite sure how to go about it then sign up to become part of the Mama Bear crew!
When you’re part of the Mama Bear crew you’ll gain exclusive access to resources which includes…
An outline of a class presentation about Down Syndrome geared towards elementary students. An entire presentation is laid right out for you!
A fact sheet about Down Syndrome
A sample letter to send home to the parents of the kids in your child’s class
A sample of a slideshow presentation.
These resources are SO helpful so stress less and join the Mama Bear crew!
Mama Bear, if you found this post helpful then you may want to check out
6 Tips To Start The School Year As A Special Needs Mom Rock Star
Dandelion Tribe Takeaway: Talking to your child’s class about Down Syndrome can have a positive impact. If you’re stumped as to how to go about it join the Mama Bear crew. You’ll get exclusive access to an entire presentation!
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