I have a 4yr old down syndrome student, how do i establish limits?

First off get advice from his parents on how they deal with his misbehavior.

Second treat him similar to the other children (don’t single him out) Give him a timeout as you would the other children and Take the time like you would with the other children to explain to him why this is unacceptable. Let him know that when he bites, kicks anything he trys hurts other people and ask him if he would like it if it were him. if you need to displine him, make it the same as the other children. Most important “Try not to get stressed out” with him. It may take many more times for him to understand than with other children.

Another thing i get alot of is he may be getting mixed messages. You may not want him to do something but his parents will let him. Picture it if this was you, you would get frustrated and he probably is also. Talk to his parents about it.

Hope it helps

Make sure he has consequences and rewards for his actions. Find out what he likes the best and let that be his reward. You may have to reward him every 5 minutes to extinguish the undesired behavior. Then increase the time between rewards. If he is non-verbal you may want to consider a way for him to communicate. If he bites as a way to get his point across sign language or picture exchange would be helpful. Also, picture schedules may help him. Let him know what is expected of him next. You can use board maker to make pictures of desired behaviors, like hands to self, sit down, etc. This will give him a visual reinforcement that way not relying on verbal language that he may not understand. Some kids with Downs have hearing problems. Has his hearing been checked? Be patient. It will take longer and his progress will be slower than your other kids. Hope this helps.

Special Education Teacher

Don’t you have a special ed aide in the classroom? Or a special ed department you can ask for help from? If you’re in a private school, go immediately to your public school system’s special ed people and ask for help. The student may be entitled to services from the public school even if he’s in a private school. At least you can get advice. You should not be doing this alone – just the fact that you have to ask shows that you need help. Nothing wrong with that, just saying that most teachers in your situation are either special ed teachers or have special ed aides to help out. And each kid is unique – it’s really hard for any of us to tell you what this child needs from here. Handling behavior issues is usually a very detailed and personalized process.

Thanks very much for going the extra mile to try to help and for not giving up on your student!

First off, I’m wondering why this child who is nearly 4 isn’t integrated into a classroom of his same age peers? He should be in a classroom with children his own age, not based on his cognitive level. There is too much to tell you about how to work with children with DS to write here, but I’ll sum up a little. First off, children with DS are often aggressive and stubborn as a part of their nature. It seems it is a characteristic of children with DS. : ) You have to be firm, but loving when dealing with these little guys, because of their extreme cuteness- they think they can get away with anything because they are so gosh-darn CUTE!! You also need to help him work on his communication skills… get some PECS cards (Picture Exchange Communication System) cards to help him communicate his wants and needs, or start using some simple sign language. Talk to his parents…. he should have an IEP (since he is over 3 years) that has to be followed- you’ll want to know about this important document so that you can keep track of his goals, do your documentation, keep a portfolio, and fill out assessments. Ask his parents what modes of communication they use at home… are they working on sign language/PECS/augmentive communication devices? You’ll want to know all this. Parents will also be a great source of information on how they deal with his behaviors, what triggers his behaviors, and goals he is working on to socially fit in. Mostly, you can’t let him be more stubborn than you are : ) Always follow thru with what you ask him to do. It will take a while for the hitting/biting to subside, and constant observation, intervention and work on your part. The good part, is that he will enrich your life in so many ways just for being a part of it!! Try to find some books on working with children with DS on Amazon or Borders. You can contact me with specific questions if you like.

hi…I am a mom to a 3 1/2 yr old son with down syndrome. I agree with “confused”and others answers. but I also wanted to add that from my experiences with my son, children with DS thrive on a consistent routine. because he has a developmental delay this child maybe 4 yrs old, but he may have the mental development of a child half his age…so what do “typical” 2 yr olds do?…they throw marvelous temper tantrums especially if they can not communicate what they want. I would ask the parents if he has been taught sign language to help communicate…if not…would you consider adding it to your curriculum? there is a wonderful website called Http://www.signwithme.com that teaches the basics. children with DS often need to be instructed on what is expected of them not one or two times…but rather constantly with NO fluxuations never give in or give up!! Now I have another question for you…is this child in your class for the summer only or is he in there permanently? because in my opinion he should be in an early intervention preschool class that is run by a special education teacher (please do not take offence to this) but they deal with this on a daily basis and are more qualified to teach kids with special needs. if you are in the US all states are required to offer early intervention preschool through the school districts and if it is not available there should be a teacher’s aid there to assist with the child…does he get any form of therapy while in your class (thereapist that come in to do speech, occupational, physical?) this is also offered with early intervention. if you don’t see them coming in, ask the parents if he is getting it…at the very worst this little boy has slipped through the cracks of the system and is not getting the help he is entitled to and this should be addressed.

Understand that inclusion policies in schools are meant for all but if the child is not coping and is a risk to the safety of others and the teachers are not coping then maybe you should talk to the parents and refer the child to be assessed for special education. Shouldn’t he also be in a class of children his own age and that is probably not helping him either being in with the babies!

Isn’t there a law that say, ppl. with special needs like down syndrome requires special attentions at qualified nurseries & teachers?

How did the child ended up in your school & care?

They need a minimal set of qualifying standards only can admit to public schools, esp. for a 4 year old that’s his developing age which is very crucial. Their brain IQ isn’t build to understand basic commands & EQ on how to communicate and react to ppl. of normal nursery kids.

You are also responsible of the safety of other kids, tht’s very unfair for them. Their image of nursery will be tarnished & will be fearful of the DS student.

It’s advisable for you to speak to your school’s head immediately. If you know any academic board or institutions counselors pls. seek their advice on any special needs schools which the child will be better off in.

If you must speak to the parents, do not speak alone. Have a board meeting wth at least your school head & seniors so if things don’t turn up well; you’re not to be blamed.

Besides that, it’s also advisable for you to speak to the kids always getting beaten up if they are ok & talk to them so they can understand the situations. U’ll never knw wht kids tell their parents whn they r at home.

Good luck!

He needs lots of love and attention. Try to get close and talk to him. At time try to cuddle him. Introduce him to his friend rather than leaving him out. Need to explain that biting is not allow and is not nice.

i work with these kinds of people. u hav to set limits. even though he can’t talk you have to stand firm in ur decisions. treat him like any other child. he does understand what no means and that he will be punished. it may take u a while,but it will be worth it.

give him first of all what he wan. do it 2 to 3 times. give him some responsible jobs in class or at home like give the colour box, sharpen the pencil for all n all of you will say thanks.then he will feels his importance &gradualy slowly start taking interest in things done in the class or at home. it will stop him from his aggrasive mood but u hav to krrp passions a lot.

thanks & takecare.