The Down Syndrome Ireland Podcast

This episode explores how students with Down syndrome can be supported through the transition to post-primary school and the many changes it brings. It covers developing independence, communication and social skills, managing new routines and environments, and preparing for change. It also looks at setting high expectations for learning, friendships and inclusion, and practical steps primary schools can take to help students prepare for the move.

This episode explains the support available to students with Down syndrome at post-primary school, including Special Education Teacher (SET) and Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support. It explores how these supports are allocated, the different roles of SETs, SNAs and subject teachers, and how families can work with schools to ensure appropriate support is in place.

This episode explores the different post-primary education options available to students with Down syndrome, including mainstream schools, special classes and special schools. It highlights the importance of considering each student's individual needs, visiting potential schools and gathering information from teachers and professionals, so parents can make an informed decision about the best educational setting for their child.

This episode explores the impact of speech and language difficulties for students with Down syndrome, with practical strategies to support communication, understanding, independence and self-advocacy. It also looks at mental health and wellbeing, age-appropriate independence, behaviour, inclusion and the importance of supporting teenagers through puberty and adolescence.

This episode explores the learning profile of students with Down syndrome at post-primary level, including their strengths and challenges in communication, memory, literacy, numeracy, motor skills and social understanding. It also looks at hearing and vision needs and how teachers can use visual supports, adapt communication and make practical adjustments to help students access the curriculum and thrive in the classroom.

This episode explains the supports available to children with Down syndrome in primary school, including the roles of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). It outlines how these supports are allocated, clarifies the responsibilities of each role, and highlights the importance of working closely with schools to ensure children receive the support they need to thrive.

This episode guides families through choosing the right primary school, explaining the different educational settings available and the supports offered in each. It also shares practical tips for preparing children for the transition to school, focusing on communication, independence, daily routines and building strong partnerships between families and schools.

This episode explores practical, evidence-based approaches to developing literacy and numeracy skills in children with Down syndrome. It covers reading, phonics, vocabulary, writing and maths, highlighting the importance of visual supports, repetition, meaningful learning, and building strong foundations at a pace that suits each child's individual needs.

This episode explores how hearing loss, vision difficulties and common medical conditions can affect learning, communication and behaviour in children with Down syndrome. It highlights the importance of recognising changes in a child's wellbeing, working closely with families, and understanding how health needs can influence attention, participation and success in the classroom.

This podcast explores how the speech and language disorder associated with Down syndrome affects learning, communication and behaviour in primary school. It highlights practical strategies including clear language, visual supports and extra processing time, while explaining how behaviour is often a form of communication. Educators will gain insights to better understand, support and empower children with Down syndrome in the classroom.

In Episode 1, we explore the learning profile of children with Down syndrome and what teachers need to know to support inclusion in the primary classroom. We discuss common strengths and challenges, why every child is different, and practical ways to make the curriculum accessible through visual supports, pre-teaching vocabulary and effective differentiation.