Some children with Down syndrome have difficulty with fine motor skills used to deal with buttons, snaps, hooks or zippers. Families may choose to have some clothing altered to avoid difficult fasteners, find special tools to help, or shop for current fashions with elastic waist bands

Parents sometimes report difficulties in creating relationships with intimidating teachers who do not seem to be open to advocacy efforts or the sharing of information about their son or daughter's individual talents, abilities, or special needs. Some teachers may feel parents are intimidating, too

Children with Down syndrome may have delays or gaps in development due to strategies they find effective to avoid learning, working on or practicing skills. Professor Jennifer Wishart explains insightful research on how children with Down syndrome may sabotage themselves in teaching environments.

Summer learning opportunities can pop up in unexpected places for children with developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions or other special needs. Our children may benefit from neighborhood play, extended school year classes, summer camp, parks department programs or respite and daycare.

Families of children with disabilities may qualify for a free or reduced entrance charges to state and national parks with disability passes available well in advance of a park visit. Check first for information on documentation, identification and other requirements to qualify for entrance passes.

During hot weather most children with special health needs, and others with certain disabilities, need to take simple extra precautions to avoid complications of heat, as they may be more susceptible to heat stroke or exhaustion, sunburn and other dangers