Tips & Tricks by Age
From first feedings to adult independence, every stage of life brings unique milestones and moments to navigate. This section is packed with real-life guidance for families of individuals with Down syndrome—covering everything from breastfeeding and potty training to behavior, dental care, travel tips, puberty, relationships, and planning for adulthood. Whether you're raising a toddler, teen, or adult, these age-specific tips are here to support you with practical advice and encouragement every step of the way.
New Parent (0-3)
Feeding
).png)
Breastfeeding
La Leche League – Breastfeeding a Baby with Down Syndrome
This article provides compassionate, experience-based guidance for mothers navigating breastfeeding with a child who has Down syndrome.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
A fully revised and updated program that covers the practical, physical and psychological aspects of breastfeeding, and also presents a thorough guide to infant and child care, with advice for both mothers and fathers.
Bottle Feeding Support
Bottle-feeding a baby with Down syndrome can present unique challenges due to low muscle tone (hypotonia), a weak suck, or coordination issues.
Go slow and steady: Use a slow-flow nipple to help your baby pace the feed and avoid gulping.
Try different positions: Upright or semi-reclined positions can make swallowing easier and reduce the risk of aspiration.
Use supportive feeding tools: Bottles like Dr. Brown’s, Medela Special Needs Feeder, or Pigeon Bottles can help with flow control and support oral development.
Play Pals (3-7)
DSCNWA R.E.A.L. Talk Seminar Notes
by Lynsey Lobdell, M.S., CCC-SLP
click here for the PDF.
Potty Training
Potty training can take more time and creativity for children with Down syndrome, but with patience and the right tools, success is totally achievable. Here are some helpful strategies and trusted resources to guide you: Tips to Try: Look for Readiness, Not Just Age Watch for signs like longer dry periods, interest in bathroom routines, or communication about needing a change. Create a Consistent Routine Use a schedule and stick to it. Regular potty breaks help build a habit, even if nothing happens at first.
-
-
Easy-to-use tool for creating picture cards
-
-
-
Created by educators and therapists and are low-cost or free
-
-
-
Free printable resources designed for children who benefit from structure and visual reinforcement.
-
Potty Training 101 is a supportive seminar for parents of children with Down syndrome, offering practical tips, visual tools, and expert advice to help make the potty training journey more manageable and successful.
Nutritional Supplements
Children with Down syndrome should only start drinking nutritional supplements like Boost or Ensure under the guidance of a healthcare provider. These drinks are typically designed for older children, teens, or adults and aren’t meant to replace meals for young children unless medically necessary.
-
Not typically recommended for children under 4 years old due to high protein, vitamin, and mineral content.
-
May be used if a child is underweight, has feeding difficulties, or needs extra calories—but only under medical supervision.
Boost and Ensure can sometimes be covered for individuals with Down syndrome. Coverage Depends On -A doctor or dietitian must document that the nutritional supplement is medically necessary due to a condition like: --feeding difficulties --post-surgical recovery --poor weight gain or malabsorption issues -Some private insurance and Medicaid plans will cover the cost if: --a prescription is written --a letter of medical necessity is provided --the supplement is listed as a covered medical food -In many states, Medicaid programs like TEFRA may cover oral nutrition supplements if: --the child qualifies through a disability pathway --the product is dispensed by a durable medical equipment (DME) provider --documentation is submitted and approved
Play Pals (7-12)
DSCNWA Behavior and Down Syndrome Seminar Notes
by Sarah Mai, MOT, OTR/L Megan DeBoom, MS, BCBA, LBA
DSCNWA Fine Motor and Writing Skills Seminar Notes
by Sarah Mai, MOT, OTR/
click here for the PDF.
DSCNWA Fostering Independence in Students with Down Syndrome Seminar Notes
by Amy Allison
Travel
Traveling with a child who has Down syndrome can be a rewarding experience with thoughtful preparation.
Creating visual schedules can significantly ease travel for children with Down syndrome by providing structure and predictability.
-
🧳 Printable Visual Schedule Resources
-
-
including templates for airport navigation, hotel stays, and daily routines during trips.
-
-
✈️ Pre-Trip Planning
-
Discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider to address any specific medical or behavioral needs, especially for air travel or major time zone changes.
🩺 What to Tell Your Healthcare Provider Before Travel: Your Travel Plans Share where you're going, how you’ll get there (car, plane, etc.), how long you’ll be gone, and your planned activities. Medical History Updates Mention any recent illnesses, surgeries, or changes in medications—even minor ones. Medication Needs Ask about travel-friendly versions of medications, time zone adjustments for dosing, and getting extra prescriptions just in case. Vaccination Requirements Depending on your destination, your child may need specific vaccines or preventive medications. Sensory or Behavioral Needs Let them know about sensitivities (e.g., noise, crowds, changes in routine) and ask for strategies to manage stress or meltdowns during travel. Emergency Plans Ask what to do if your child gets sick or has a health emergency while away. Request a brief health summary or emergency letter to carry with you. Medical Devices If your child uses medical devices (like a CPAP or feeding tube), ask if you’ll need special travel accommodations or documentation. Travel Insurance or Special Precautions Ask if travel insurance makes sense or if you should take any other safety measures specific to your child’s health.
STARS CLUB (13-21)
Teen and young adult years bring big changes—physically, emotionally, and socially.
💡 Tips:
-
Set Clear and Consistent Expectations
Routines and boundaries still matter. Use visual supports or written agreements to help reinforce expectations around behavior, curfews, and responsibilities. -
Support Emotional Regulation
Talk about feelings openly and provide calming strategies like breathing exercises, movement breaks, or safe quiet spaces.
Behavior
Practice Social Scenarios
Resources for practicing social scenarios with teens and young adults who have Down syndrome:
Practicing problem-solving with a child or teen with Down syndrome can be both simple and empowering. 🧩 How to Practice Problem Solving Use Real-Life Situations Pick everyday moments—like when a toy is missing, a sibling is upset, or there’s a change in plans. Gently guide your child through thinking about what’s wrong and what they could do. Ask Open-Ended Questions Instead of giving answers, try: “What do you think we should do?” “What could we try next?” “Who could help us?” Offer Simple Choices Give 2–3 clear options: “We can wait, or we can ask for help. Which do you want to try?” Use Visual Supports Create a “problem-solving chart” with pictures: What’s the problem? What are my choices? What happens next? What did I learn?
Puberty
Puberty is an exciting and scary new adventure for parents and teens alike. And while many developmental milestones come later for people with Down syndrome puberty generally shows up early or on time with neurotypical developmental milestones. The Birds, The Bees and Down syndrome seminar offers some great insights. Additionally there are some great reference books listed below. We have some of these titles in our DSCNWA Library that you can borrow on request.
The Birds, The Bees & Down syndrome Seminar
DSCNWA Transition to Adulthood/Surviving the Turbulent Teen Years Seminar Notes
by Amy Allison
STARS CLUB Adult 21+
Adulthood is full of possibility for individuals with Down syndrome—from living more independently to pursuing hobbies, jobs, and meaningful relationships. Learning shouldn't stop after High School. Adults with Down syndrome should be provided opportunities for life long learning as well as opportunities for social engagement and physical activities to live well rounded healthy lives.
The life expectancy for adults with Down syndrome is around 60 years old and climbing. Creating a purpose driven life for adults with Down syndrome is critical to their well being.
Adults with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for Alzheimer's. It's important to be familiar with the early signs and seek medical support. Additionally adults with Down syndrome may experience Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD). Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing symptoms and maximizing potential for recovery or stabilization.
🏡 Daily Life & Independence
-
Create visual schedules for daily routines like hygiene, meals, and appointments.
- Create your own visual meal routines using images like "wash hands," "sit down," "eat," and "clean up."
-
Use checklists or apps (like Choiceworks or Reminder) to encourage consistency and reduce stress.
-
Whether it's a visual chart on the fridge or a digital checklist, these tools reduce stress by showing what’s next and celebrating what’s done.
-
-
Encourage independence with small responsibilities like making lunch or managing laundry.
-
Explore job training or supported employment programs through organizations like Arkansas Support Network or Pathfinder, Inc.
-
Encourage volunteer work to build confidence and community connections.
-
Get involved with programs that promote physical activity, community and learning.