On March 21, World Down Syndrome Day was commemorated, coinciding with Down Syndrome Awareness Week, which runs from March 17 to March 23. This global initiative focuses on advocating for the rights of individuals with Down syndrome and raising awareness about the various challenges they encounter, particularly in social interactions.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting from the presence of an extra chromosome 21, which affects cognitive development, learning capabilities, and communication skills. Consequently, children with Down syndrome may find it difficult to socialize and interpret social cues. However, with early intervention and support from their parents, these children can acquire essential social skills, enhance their self-confidence, and establish meaningful friendships.

In a discussion, Dr. Rashmi Jeenakeri, a Consultant Neonatal Pediatrician at Apollo Hospitals in Seshadripuram, provided insights into the specific communication challenges faced by children with Down syndrome.

Reasons for difficulty in socialisation

Dr. Jeenakeri stated that the primary obstacle to socialization for children with Down syndrome is their challenges with communication and language. These difficulties hinder their ability to articulate thoughts and engage in discussions. Moreover, these children frequently face issues in understanding information, which complicates their participation in conversations and social exchanges. They may also struggle to identify and react to social cues; for example, they might not know the appropriate way to greet someone, which can lead others to view them as unresponsive.

Understanding social behaviour presents another challenge for children with Down syndrome. Dr. Jeenakeri further noted that they may find it hard to differentiate between typical and atypical social behaviours. Additionally, these children often have trouble recognizing emotions in others. For instance, if a mother is crying in their presence, they may not fully grasp her emotional state. The expression of their own emotions can also be difficult, which can impede their ability to form social connections.

Furthermore, Dr. Jeenakeri highlighted that children with Down syndrome frequently deal with anxiety, depression, and sensory sensitivities, all of which can complicate their social interactions.

How parents can help?

Parental involvement is essential for assisting children with Down syndrome in overcoming social obstacles, fostering self-esteem, and cultivating vital communication abilities.

Dr. Jeenakeri provided the following recommendations for parents:

1. Early interventions: Initiating early intervention is crucial for any child with Down syndrome. Important early interventions include physical therapy, which aids in motor development and enhances their capacity to perform gestures such as handshaking; occupational therapy, which focuses on developing skills necessary for daily interactions; and speech and language therapy, which facilitates communication development, enabling them to articulate their thoughts and comprehend others more effectively.

2. Strategies for improving social skills: Play serves as a fundamental mechanism for developing social skills. It enables children with Down syndrome to engage with their peers and learn essential concepts such as cooperation, sharing, and communication. Participating in cooperative play, such as team sports like football or throwing ball, teaches valuable lessons in turn-taking, teamwork, and social etiquette. Role-playing exercises allow children to rehearse real-life social scenarios, such as greeting a doctor or attending a birthday celebration, thereby preparing them for interactions in a structured way. This approach alleviates anxiety and enhances their confidence in managing social situations.

3. Social inclusion: Promoting social inclusion is crucial for the growth of children with Down syndrome. This can be accomplished by arranging playdates and group activities, encouraging involvement in community events that educate others on how to interact with children with Down syndrome, enrolling them in support groups and recreational activities such as sports or disability-friendly programs, and improving communication skills by teaching both verbal and non-verbal methods of expression.

Lastly, Dr Jeenakeri concluded by sharing a hopeful message that children with Down syndrome can lead meaningful lives when given the right support. Many have gone on to become entrepreneurs, dance teachers, yoga instructors, musicians and more. With proper guidance and support from parents, they can achieve a fulfilling and productive adult life.

Read Also: High Heels, Higher Risk: What Your Spine Wishes You Knew

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!