The Down Syndrome Ireland Podcast
Welcome to The Down Syndrome Ireland Podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to bring resources to family members, professionals and carers in an accessible way. Our first series focuses on Education, with practical episodes covering topics across both Primary and Post-Primary school. Whether you’re supporting a child with Down syndrome at home or in the classroom, you’ll find expert advice, helpful guidance and real-world insights.
The podcast episodes will be updated regularly and are available on Spotify, Apple and Podbean as well as here, on our website.
The first series will be hosted by Down Syndrome Ireland’s Nicola Hart, National Research and Support Specialist, and Dr. Fidelma Brady, Head of Primary and Post Primary Education.
Listen here for our latest episodes:
Post Primary Education Series
Episode One: Development Profile, Vision & Hearing & Accessing the Curriculum
This episode explores the learning profile of students with Down syndrome at post-primary level, including their strengths and challenges in communication, memory, literacy, numeracy, motor skills and social understanding. It also looks at hearing and vision needs and how teachers can use visual supports, adapt communication and make practical adjustments to help students access the curriculum and thrive in the classroom.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Episode Two: Speech and Language Issues & Mental Health, Wellbeing & Behaviour
This episode explores the impact of speech and language difficulties for students with Down syndrome, with practical strategies to support communication, understanding, independence and self-advocacy. It also looks at mental health and wellbeing, age-appropriate independence, behaviour, inclusion and the importance of supporting teenagers through puberty and adolescence.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Primary Education Series
Episode One: Learning Profile of Children with Down Syndrome & Accessing the Primary Curriculum
In the first episode of the series, we explore the learning profile commonly associated with children with Down syndrome, highlighting both the strengths they bring to the classroom and the barriers they may face. We discuss why every child is unique, how development is shaped by both biology and environment, and the important role teachers, SNAs and parents play in creating positive learning experiences.
We also tackle common questions about accessing the primary curriculum. Can children with Down syndrome follow the same lessons as their peers? How can teachers make learning meaningful without lowering expectations?
Whether you’re a teacher, SNA, school leader or parent, this episode offers practical advice, evidence-informed guidance and real classroom strategies to support inclusive education for children with Down syndrome.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Podbean.
Episode Two: Language Development & Understanding Behaviour in Relation to Communication Difficulties
This episode explores the close connection between communication and behaviour for children with Down syndrome. It discusses the impact of speech and language difficulties in the classroom, sharing practical strategies for supporting understanding and communication, including using visuals, building vocabulary, allowing extra processing time and adapting teaching approaches. The episode also explains how behaviour is often a form of communication, helping parents and educators recognise the underlying reasons behind behaviours and create supportive environments that enable children to communicate, learn and thrive.
Resource mentioned: Supporting SLT in the Classroom
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Podbean.
Episode Three: Hearing, Visual and Medical
This episode explores how hearing loss, vision difficulties and common medical conditions can affect learning, communication and behaviour in children with Down syndrome. It highlights the importance of recognising changes in a child’s wellbeing, working closely with families, and understanding how health needs can influence attention, participation and success in the classroom.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Podbean.
Episode Four: Literacy and Numeracy
This episode explores practical, evidence-based approaches to developing literacy and numeracy skills in children with Down syndrome. It covers reading, phonics, vocabulary, writing and maths, highlighting the importance of visual supports, repetition, meaningful learning, and building strong foundations at a pace that suits each child’s individual needs.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Podbean.
Episode Five: Choosing a School & Practical Steps to Prepare
This episode guides families through choosing the right primary school, explaining the different educational settings available and the supports offered in each. It also shares practical tips for preparing children for the transition to school, focusing on communication, independence, daily routines and building strong partnerships between families and schools.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Podbean.
Episode Six: SET & SNA Support
This episode explains the supports available to children with Down syndrome in primary school, including the roles of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). It outlines how these supports are allocated, clarifies the responsibilities of each role, and highlights the importance of working closely with schools to ensure children receive the support they need to thrive.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Podbean.
For any queries in relation to this podcast, please contact the communications team on communications@downsyndrome.ie.