Social Development for Individuals with Down Syndrome - An Overview

This book presents an overview of what is understood about social development for people with Down syndrome. Temperament, personality characteristics and social behaviour are discussed.

This book reviews the research on the social and behavioural development of individuals with Down syndrome from infancy to teenage years. It identifies that the children's social interactive skills, social understanding and emotional awareness are usually strengths. Temperament, personality characteristics and social behaviour are discussed. The need to recognise that the social and emotional needs of children with Down syndrome are age appropriate and the importance of expecting age appropriate behaviour is stressed. Successful principles for encouraging appropriate behaviour and preventing difficult behaviour from infancy and through childhood are outlined. While many children with Down syndrome do not have more persistent behaviour difficulties than other children, difficult behaviours can be a major source of family stress when they do occur. They can also disrupt the learning and social participation of children with Down syndrome and the need for effective support for behaviour management from service providers is discussed.

Down Syndrome Issues and Information is a major series of practical and informative books about the entire range of developmental, health and social issues relating to individuals with Down syndrome. The DSii books have been written by some of the world's leading experts based on years of research and hands-on experience.