Vocational training skills matter for children with Down syndrome because they can help them move towards independence. Photo: Segi University
In the study, “Global estimates of violence against children with disabilities”, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health Journal in 2022, it was discovered that 31.7% of children with disabilities have encountered violence. This includes understanding appropriate and inappropriate behaviours, distinguishing between private and public behaviours, recognising safe and unsafe touch, and learning how to interact with different people in their lives.
‘Children with special needs must be adequately prepared for the physical and emotional changes of adolescence,’ says Dr Rajini. Photo: Dr Rajini Sarvananthan “Work on their social interaction skills, how they understand relationships and build awareness of how their bodies and emotions may change and how to cope with these changes. Work on their self esteem and how they should say no to inappropriate touching and social advances. Start discussions early and support them until they are confident and able to assert for themselves.