Down Syndrome: Helping Your Child Dress Independently

Topic Overview

Children with Down syndrome who do not have severe physical disabilities can learn to dress themselves.

Teach your child how to dress himself or herself by taking extra time to explain and practice.

• Explain what you are doing when you dress your child. Let your child help you and allow extra time for getting ready.
• Provide your child with time to practice dressing and fastening buttons, snaps, and other devices on dolls and articles of clothing. This practice improves your child's skills and helps him or her gain confidence.
• Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off, easy to fasten, and comfortable, such as slip-on shoes with Velcro closures.
• Incorporate the use of lip balm and protective clothing, such as a hat and sunscreen when needed, in the daily routine of helping your child learn to dress and groom. This will help prevent and manage dry skin and other problems, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), that people with Down syndrome are prone to developing.