THEto Down syndrome in Italy has an incidence of about 1 child out of 1,000for a total of about 500 cases every year. According to the United NationsIn the world, between 3,000 and 5,000 children are born in the world with this condition every year. Numbers that require attention, support and commitment to promote their inclusion and well -being. On March 21, on the occasion of the World Down Day of Down Syndromelet’s find out how to promote acceptance of diversity and autonomy.
Down syndrome: 5 expert advice
Guarantee them inclusion opportunities is the first step to build a more welcoming and conscious company. It is in this direction that the Antoniano therapeutic centera point of reference For boys and girls with fragility related to neurosviluppo and for their families. To raise awareness of the theme, the professionals of the therapeutic center have shared 5 tips for parents and educators, aimed at promoting inclusion and support of the growth path of the children with Down syndrome.
Make diversity a value, even in the family
Educate for the value of diversityin the family and school, It means teaching the little ones to understand and welcome the differences. Books, films and cultural events dedicated to inclusion can offer the opportunity to develop an open look on the world, capable of recognizing and enhancing the uniqueness of each individual. Fundamental, to overcome prejudices and stereotypes, are also theempathy and the speak openly about disabilitywithout avoiding the theme and helping the little ones understand it naturally. «Unlike adults, children are open to the other and less conditioned towards those who, at first glance, appear different. Explaining disability in a simple way helps to understand the differences, reducing fears and misunderstandings“, explains Cristian GualandrisFriar Minor of the Province of Sant’Antonio and therapist of the neuro and psychomotority of the evolutionary age of the therapeutic center of Antoniano.
Support autonomy and include children in daily activities
The Reaching autonomy in boys and girls with down syndrome is an essential process which requires time, constancy and adequate support. It is fundamental divide the skills to be acquired into small objectives adapted to the ability and the individual’s learning rhythm. Activities such as dressing, washing your hands and face, preparing the backpack, keeping your games in order can be taught with a progressive approach, reinforcing each conquest with positive encouragement. Actively involve the little ones with Down syndrome in daily activities favors the development of practical, cognitive and relational skills. Participate in moments of family life, such as preparing meals, setting the table, tidying up spaces or spending, allows them to acquire useful skills and to feel an integral part of the context in which they live.
Encourage socialization through group activities
For boys and girls with down syndrome, participation in group paths represents a fundamental opportunity for the development of motor, cognitive and relational skills. In fact, these contexts favor the interaction between peer, offering mutual learning opportunities, which allow to establish significant links. Also participate in group activities helps to develop essential social skills, such as the ability to cooperate, communicate and support oneself events, indispensable skills for an autonomous and inclusive life. «In fact, the continuity of therapy allows the little ones to build stable relationships not only with reference professionals, but also with peers and their families. Even the dynamics that develop in the waiting spaces contribute to strengthening these links, creating a social network that extends beyond the therapeutic environment “, explains the Doctor Giulia Ambrosettopsychotherapist and coordinator of the Antoniano Therapeutic Center.
Apply a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach
A multidisciplinary and integrated therapeutic approach It represents a key element to encourage the harmonious development of children with down syndrome. There collaboration between professionals of different areas, such as speech therapy, music therapy and neuropsychomotricity, allows you to respond to the needs of each. It also allows you to work at the same time on multiple areas of development. Promotes the strengthening of communication, motor and cognitive skills. «In order for the therapeutic path to be effective, It is essential that families actively collaborate with professionals. In fact, the involvement of parents favors the integration of skills learned in therapy in daily life. An integrated approach not only responds to the immediate needs of the little ones, but lays the foundations for long -term well -beingsupporting them in the acquisition of the skills necessary to confidently face future challenges », concludes the Dr. Ambrosetto.
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