Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2023
On the 21st March we are recognising World Down Syndrome Day.
Cherry is almost two years old and one of many Turtle Tots that has Down Syndrome. Cherry attends lessons with Turtle Tots SW Sussex.
Born with congenital heart disease which around 50% of children with Down Syndrome has and needed several heart surgeries. As a result, she was a year old before she started Turtle Tots lessons.
Mum Emily explains more:
“I wanted her to learn to swim as a way of getting her to exercise as well as doing something fun and sensory.
She gets tired easily and sometimes struggles with too much noise or stimulation, but she loves being in the water and it’s a great way to get her used to exercising regularly from a young age
She enjoys being around the other children in class and especially loves all the singing and different movements. Because her walking is delayed being able to kick her arms and legs in the water is fantastic exercise and I think it has really improved her confidence and overall health.
Many young children with DS have glasses, hearing aids, feeding tubes, autism, sensory issues.. I know many that find swimming very challenging but because there are so many benefits I definitely think it is worth persevering and giving it a go, if possible.
Laura, Tia and Donna have all been really lovely teachers, they always make us feel very part of the group and easily adapt things for Cherry when needed.”
Turtle Tots lessons are structured and follow a familiar routine, but also child-led so that each child can progress at their own pace. Teachers are trained to watch each child’s verbal and non-verbal cues and adapt practices accordingly.
Because Turtle Tots teachers are experts in understanding and responding to the communication of babies and young children, we offer a safe and inclusive experience for children not only with Down Syndrome, but with a wide range of additional needs and disabilities. Swimming is a wonderful activity that can offer many benefits in helping to overcome some of the challenges faced as part of these conditions.
For more information about Down Syndrome you can click here to visit Down Syndrome UK’s website, and you’ll see a photo of Cherry under the Heart section and World Down Syndrome page!
