Good health: Transitions, fear and anxiety

We often talk about supporting children with Down syndrome to move from one activity to another, resources that will help them to know when the time for one activity is up, and it is time to move on, get through the school day or to manage when routines are interrupted.  Similar advice is also important for supporting many adults with Down syndrome - transitions and change are often challenging throughout life.  This recent blog post from the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic in Chicago addresses the support that some adults might need.

Transitions, fear and anxiety
Adult Down Syndrome Clinic, 3rd November 2103

“Life would be simpler if we could counter the fear of change just by telling people, ‘Change is inevitable, get used to it”. Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World by Harold Kushner

... We know that many people with Down syndrome find transitions problematic and even fearful. It seems that all of the above reasons and other reasons, too can contribute to a difficult transition. Not knowing what is next, where they are going, or what to expect seems to be particularly problematic for many of our patients when it comes to dealing with transitions ...

The book, Mental Wellness for Adults with Down Syndrome is available for loan to members from the Down Syndrome NSW library.