Many children with Down syndrome have a fun loving, endearing personality. They often like being social, and enjoy joking around, giggling and acting silly. It is definitely these characteristics that can melt your heart, and draw others to them.

While parenting any child in today’s world is difficult, the parents of a child with Down syndrome face unique and often difficult challenges. Some of these challenges are quite similar to those faced by parents of children on the autism spectrum. Check out some of the blogs and case studies on this site, as you will likely find issues that apply to your child, such as tantrums and defiance.

Challenges of having a child with Down syndrome can include:

• Being overly friendly and affectionate with everyone, including strangers
• Stubbornness/ oppositional behavior
• Wandering or running off
• Repetitive behaviors
• Attention and impulse control problems
• Irritability and tantrums
• Communication problems
• Anxiety and/ or depression
• Sleeping difficulties

For many children with Down syndrome, issues with stubbornness, tantrums, and social issues are the most prevalent problems faced by parents. [1]

Despite these challenges, many research studies found that the well being of families that include a child with Down syndrome can be comparable to those who do not. This ability to remain resilient and thrive is largely based on the willingness to utilize individual, family and community resources that are available.

In fact, the National Down Syndrome Society recommends working with a professional, to develop a behavior treatment plan for parents and caregivers of children with Down syndrome. [2]