{"id":17337,"date":"2020-07-06T11:20:39","date_gmt":"2020-07-06T17:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/denver\/?p=17337"},"modified":"2025-09-12T18:00:28","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T00:00:28","slug":"down-syndrome-in-a-covid-19-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/denver\/2020\/07\/06\/down-syndrome-in-a-covid-19-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Down Syndrome in a COVID-19 World"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Don\u2019t high-five, don\u2019t shake hands, don\u2019t touch anything. Don\u2019t travel, don\u2019t leave the house unless you have to, and definitely don\u2019t hug. We have all been bombarded with a list of do\u2019s and don\u2019ts during the COVID-19 pandemic. So it\u2019s fairly common knowledge what we should and shouldn\u2019t be doing to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19. The challenge for individuals with Down syndrome, especially children, is not necessarily about knowing what to do but actually doing those things to keep themselves healthy. Communicating with them in ways they can learn and understand is essential to ensuring adherence to new routines and tasks while managing life in a COVID-19 world.<\/p>\n

ENCOURAGE HEALTHY HABITS WITH POSITIVE LANGUAGE<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Drop the long list of \u201cdon\u2019ts\u201d and focus on the \u201cdo\u2019s\u201d! Using positive language is a very helpful strategy for teaching students with Down syndrome. It provides clear and concise directions about what you would like them to do.<\/p>\n

We know that our learners with Down syndrome are literal learners, so it really helps them when we LITERALLY just give them the information they need. We also know that learners with Down syndrome may have difficulty processing auditory information quickly, so when they hear \u201cDon\u2019t run\u201d, they may only process the word \u201crun\u201d and will go even faster! When you say \u201cplease walk\u201d, it is easy for them to hear the word \u201cwalk\u201d and know what the expectation is.<\/p>\n

During this pandemic, it can be especially important to use positive language to help your child know what they should be doing. Use phrases such as \u201cWash your hands\u201d, \u201cLeave mask on for safety\u201d, \u201cElbow bumps are best\u201d, \u201cGive your friends space when you are talking\u201d. Remember \u2013 telling them what you want them to do will bring the best results!<\/p>\n

Watching videos like these from PBS can also aid in understanding what should be done in a fun and engaging way:<\/p>\n

Germs, Germs, Go Away – Daniel Tiger\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Elmo & Rosita: The Right Way to Sneeze<\/strong><\/p>\n

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HOW DO I GET MY CHILD TO DO THINGS LIKE WEAR A MASK?<\/h4>\n

At GiGi\u2019s Playhouse, we find that using the teaching strategy of \u201cI Do, We Do, You Do\u201d (Archer & Hughes, 2010) works great for our participants to teach them ANYTHING! Show them, do it together, they do it independently! Because our students tend to be literal and visual learners, showing them what we want them to do first ensures they understand the instructions (I Do). Then, we practice together, giving them only as much help as they need (We Do). And, finally, when they are ready, we encourage them to do it on their own (You Do).<\/p>\n

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An example of using this strategy during this time of pandemic could be helping them learn to wear a mask. First, find one that you think will be comfortable for them. Then show them how you will put yours on and wear it. Just wear it around for a little while so they can SEE that it is not hurting you or bothering you. Then, after they seem to be OK with you wearing a mask you can suggest that you both wear them at the same time. Help your child learn to put it on by themselves. Give them just as much help as you need to. After you practice several times and you think they can do it, encourage them to put it on by themselves.<\/p>\n

Remember you are encouraging independence! It is best to practice when you don\u2019t really need to be wearing a mask so there is no pressure or time limit. For example, don\u2019t wait until you are in the car outside of a store to try it \u2013 practice at home until your child is comfortable and you don\u2019t have to stress about it!<\/p>\n

Letting them pick their mask color or finding a fun pattern with their favorite animal is another great way to encourage them to wear masks. You can even get this GiGi\u2019s Playhouse Mask from Hugs & Mugs<\/a>!<\/p>\n

HOW CAN WE STAY SOCIALLY CONNECTED WHEN WE\u2019RE SOCIALLY DISTANT?<\/h4>\n

It is hard to stay connected during this challenging time of isolation. This is especially difficult for individuals with Down syndrome who are still developing their social skills. Try these easy activities to stay socially connected:<\/p>\n