How to Support Development for Independence with Self-Dressing in a Child with Down Syndrome

What dressing activities should be incorporated into the child's intervention to support the NEXT level of development for independence with self-dressing?

a. Unzipping a jacket zipper

b. Assisting with putting on socks

c. Identifying the front of clothing

d. Buttoning a series of four buttons

e. Donning a pullover garment

f. Putting on pants with elastic waist

The three best choices to support the child's next level of development for independence with self-dressing are:

1. Unzipping a jacket zipper

2. Identifying the front of clothing

3. Buttoning a series of four buttons

In order to support the next level of development for independence with self-dressing in a 5-year-old child with Down syndrome, the following three dressing activities should be incorporated into their intervention:

a. Unzipping a jacket zipper: Incorporating the skill of unzipping a jacket zipper can help the child progress in their dressing abilities. This activity involves coordination and fine motor skills, as the child needs to grasp the zipper pull and move it up or down. It also promotes independence in taking off and putting on jackets or other garments with zippers.

b. Identifying the front of clothing: Teaching the child to identify the front of their clothing is an important step towards independent dressing. This skill helps them distinguish between the front and back of a garment, allowing them to orient it correctly before attempting to put it on. It can be facilitated through visual cues or tactile markers on clothing items.

d. Buttoning a series of four buttons: Introducing buttoning activities with a series of four buttons can challenge the child's fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. It promotes finger dexterity and requires sequential steps, such as grasping the button and maneuvering it through the buttonhole. This skill is important for dressing shirts, blouses, or other garments with buttons.