Puberty
Adolescents Define Adolescents with Down's syndrome Define Down's syndrome go through puberty Define Puberty at the same time and in the same way as other young people. However, because they may be slow to develop emotional maturity, this can be a very difficult time. Support, information, guidance and patience are needed.
Information about body changes, relationships, sexuality Define Sexuality and hygiene define Hygiene must be given in a way that young people understand.
During adolescence, young people with Down's syndrome often become aware that they are different. They need to understand how having Down's syndrome has affected their development. A positive self-image is very important. This includes clothes and hairstyles being up to date and the same as their peers.
Information about keeping safe is also important to prevent young people from being exploited define Exploited or abused Define Abused .
Down's Syndrome Scotland has produced a booklet 'Let's Talk about Puberty' and 'Let's Talk about Periods' for young people with a learning disability Define Learning disability which you can download or order.
Related Websites
- Brook Advisory Service
- www.brook.org.uk
- Caledonia Youth
- www.caledoniayouth.org
- BBC puberty demo
- www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody