How do you feed a child with Down syndrome?

Topic Overview

1. Set aside time for the family to sit down together for meals.
2. Use a step-by-step approach for eating solid foods and using utensils.
3. Teach drinking from a cup (without a lid) by using thick liquids.
4. Encourage your child and be enthusiastic about his or her progress in learning to eat.

How do you comfort someone with Down syndrome?

Do

1. praise them when they learn something new.
2. speak clearly and calmly so they can learn from you.
3. play, sing songs and read books together to help with sounds and words.
4. try showing them how to do something instead of just giving instructions – this can be easier to follow.

Do kids with Down syndrome eat a lot?

Be Encouraging. Children with Down syndrome often have eating and drinking difficulties due to a low muscle tone — which can also affect their face. Many of them also have a smaller mouth, larger tongue, or a higher palate.

Why do kids with Down syndrome eat so much?

Leptin is a hormone that contributes to appetite regulation and satiety. There is some data that show that individuals with Down syndrome have increased leptin levels which correlates with higher rates of obesity.

What is life expectancy for Down syndrome?

Today the average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome is approximately 60 years. As recently as 1983, the average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome was 25 years. The dramatic increase to 60 years is largely due to the end of the inhumane practice of institutionalizing people with Down syndrome.

How can I help my child with Down syndrome at home?

Everyday Tips

1. Give your child chores around the house.
2. Have your child play with other kids who do and don’t have Down syndrome.
3. Keep your expectations high as your child tries and learns new things.
4. Make time to play, read, have fun, and go out together.
5. Support your child in doing day-to-day tasks on their own.

How do you show respect to someone with Down syndrome?

Talking with people with Down syndrome Speak with respect. Don’t try to guess how much the person can or can’t understand. Assume the person can understand and reply to you. Give people with Down syndrome the chance to show what they can do.

What food is good for Down syndrome?

Include a range of fibre-rich foods in the diet such as fruit, vegetables, pulses, wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread. Encourage regular activity where possible to stimulate the bowel and strengthen the stomach muscles.

Why do Down syndrome people overeat?

What is it like raising a child with Down syndrome?

In many important ways, children who have Down syndrome are very much like other children. They have the same moods and emotions, they like to learn new things, play, and enjoy life. You can help your child develop by providing as many chances as possible for him or her to do these things.