Behavior Resources

Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome, by Dr. David Stein examines how the brain of a person with Down syndrome works, how those differences impact behavior, and why bad behavior should not be viewed as a willful act. Governed by this new awareness, parents are in a better position to change and manage their child’s behavior using these guiding principles:

• Be proactive, not reactive
• Be consistent
• Use visual schedules & Social Stories to direct behavior
• Develop a token reward chart
• Keep gut reactions in check
• Teach siblings to ignore bad behavior
• Learn effective disciplinary techniques
• Know when professional help is needed

Download the Supporting Positive Behavior Quick Tips Sheet
Download the Behavior Guide for Supporting Children with Down Syndrome
Watch the Behavior Bootcamp webinar here.

Fostering Self Control in Students - a resources Adapted from Landon, T., Voorhees, M.D., Aveno, A., & Sydeman, S. (1993). Fostering selfcontrol using nonaversive behavior management and positive discipline, pp. 189-224. In A. Aveno (Ed.) Planning for inclusive preschool programming: A guide for making them work. Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education, University of Virginia: Charlottesville, VA]

Effective Behavior Management Techniques - handouts for a seminar presented by DSG Executive Director, Amy Allison, and past board president Bridget Murphy in 2013.  

Managing Behavior Resources at NDSS

Changing Behaviors and Teaching New Skills - Kennedy Krieger Institute

Key Features of Effective Behavior Support - Presented by Kansas Institute for Positive Behavioe Support at the 2012 Annual Conference.

• Download a Competing Behavior Model to identify antecedents, desired and replacement behaviors.

Planning Transitions to Reduce Challenging Behavior

DAILY LIVING & BEHAVIOR RESOURCES 

• Potty Training a Child With Down Syndrome in Four Days
• Discouraging Elopment in your Students with Down Syndrome
• Explaining Privacy and Sexuality to Students with Down Syndrome
• Sexuality and Down Syndrome
• Introducing FLASH – the Family Life & Sexual Health Unit  

Elopement Resources

Download the Big Red Safety Toolkit from the National Autism Association and be ready with a plan when your loved one with Down syndrome wanders off.

Follow These Safety Tips:

• Secure Your Home—Install secure deadbolts, home security systems, and battery operated alarms on doors and windows.
• Get an I.D. Tag—Outfit your child or adult with a medical ID Bracelet or other form of ID bracelet/necklace/wallet/card
• Consider a Tracking Device—Purchase a GPS tracking device for your child.
• Alert the neighbors—make the rounds with your child with Down syndrome in tow — introduce them, make them comfortable and share your contact information.
• Alert First Responders—Provide the local police and fire stations with key information before an incident occurs
• Make an Emergency Form—containing an updated photo, physical description, favorite attractions, method(s) of communication and helpful details.  Always keep a copy with you and have copies ready to distribute to friends, neighbors and police. 
• Have a Plan— for both home and school, and have it written into the IEP at school regarding each person’s role in the event the child wanders off.  And practice, practice, practice!
• Use visual supports—place a STOP sign on the doors and teach your child to ask permission before leaving the house.
• Teach your Child to Swim— this can eliminate drowning risks should the child go towards a body of water.