Down Syndrome - NDIS
Disability Support & Care Services
Core Supports
Supports that enable patients to complete activities of daily living, working towards the individual’s goals, and meeting defined objectives
Support Coordination
We help you identify, coordinate, and access support services for Down Syndrome and disability service providers on your or your loved one’s behalf.
Plan Management
Maple Community Services manages the funding in your NDIS Plan. We are the connection between you or your loved one, providers, and the NDIA.
Accommodation
With supervised independent living, assistance and/or supervision of daily tasks can be provided to help Down Syndrome patients live as independently as possible.
Why Choose Maple for Down Syndrome Support?
Maple has everything you or your loved one needs in Down Syndrome Support! What makes us different?
Maple Community Services is a family owned and operated business that has rapidly grown from our origins in Western Sydney, to delivering supports nationwide. Our point of difference – for us it is all about real life connections. We are committed to serving our community the way we know they like; and our Customer Service model reflects this to a tee. Talk to a real person in real time; get real life support, in the moment solutions, and 24/7 responses.
We tailor our services to meet your or your loved one’s unique needs. We specialise in providing support for people from diverse backgrounds, language groups, and cultures, as well as people with criminal convictions, mental health problems, and complex disability support needs.
The Maple Family will work with you to create a personalised approach to your support schedule and roll out. We will continually review and recommend support updates, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the support you receive are optimal for you to achieve your personal, social, and emotional wellbeing goals.
We are renowned for our extremely fast turnaround and approval times for Referrals. Please reach out to us for help with your SIL, Core Support, Plan Management, and Support Coordination Referral.
Can a person with Down Syndrome live on their own?
Many adults living with Down Syndrome can live on their own or with a roommate. Independence can be important for people living with this condition as they grow older, just like anyone else. There is a wide spectrum of support from none at all, to once a week, daily support systems, to full time support if it is necessary.
If this is something you or your loved one are considering, then Maple can help you outline a plan and seek accommodation within one of our supported independent living facilities. Our experienced team of Support Workers assist the SIL community to achieve daily tasks. These include: personal care, transport, household chores, shopping, meal preparation, medication assistance, community participation, and so much more.
Personal Care
Maple Support Workers assist people with Down Syndrome by helping them live as independently as possible. Whether you or your loved one is in a group home or living in a private residence, we show up when we’re needed to help individuals living with Down Syndrome with morning routines, personal hygiene, other daily tasks including eating and drinking, and assistance during appointments.
Household Tasks
At Maple, we understand the value of healthy eating and keeping a clean home and these tasks can be challenging for patients living with Down Syndrome. As part of our services, we provide help with household tasks like cleaning, meal preparation, banking, shopping, and so much more.
Travel and Transport
Maple Community Services is here to support you or your loved one by assisting with transport to and from wherever you need to go. We provide safe transportation to appointments, outings, shopping, church, and for students, to and from school.
Garden Maintenance
If you or your loved one cannot take care of gardening tasks, the NDIS provides funding for this support service. At Maple, we’ll do the gardening for you, allowing you or your loved one to maintain a healthy garden and keep your lawn tidy.
Community Participation
Maple Community Services can assist you or your loved one in accessing and participating in the wider community. We guide, support, mentor, and motivate you or your loved one to succeed and reach set goals for social interaction and recreation.
Life Skills Development
Developing Life Skills is all about building your or your loved one’s confidence and enabling independent living. We do this by developing a customised plan which gives you the training needed to achieve your life goals. The support we provide in this area includes specific education on personal hygiene, maintaining a clean environment at home, and organisational skills to name a few.
The NDIS funds several critical services for people with Down Syndrome. These include speech and occupational therapy, physiotherapy, personal care support, community access support, nutritional support, skill development, transport, household tasks, and behavioural support.
NDIS funding can also provide sensory toys, holiday camps, or pay for a Support Worker to assist you or your loved one at home. Plan Management and Support Coordination Funding are almost always offered to NDIS Participants when they receive their plan. The types and amounts of funding available are determined in part by the level of severity.
For children younger than seven years of age, NDIS provides funding for early interventions, takes a family-centred approach, and helps families connect with Down Syndrome Services Providers. At Maple, we can assist you or your loved one with the NDIS application to receive your or your loved one’s needed financial support.
Is Down Syndrome Covered by the NDIS?
Yes! If you or your loved one lives with Down Syndrome, it is covered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and you may be eligible for their funding for our support services.
People (over the age of 7 years old) living with Down Syndrome are not automatically eligible for NDIS funding. You need to complete an access request form and provide evidence of the impact of your disability on your everyday functioning. Nevertheless, almost all people with Down Syndrome are accepted into the NDIS.
At Maple, we can assist you in the assessment process to see if you or your loved one qualifies for NDIS Down Syndrome benefits. If you or your loved one meets the criteria, we can provide comprehensive services to enhance your quality of life.
What are the 3 Types of Down Syndrome?
There are three types of Down Syndrome:
Trisomy 21 is the most common type of Down Syndrome with every cell in the body having three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two.
Translocation Down Syndrome is where each cell has part of an extra chromosome 21 or a whole extra one. It is attached to another chromosome instead of being on it’s own.
Mosaic Down Syndrome is the rarest type, and only some cells have an extra chromosome 21.
Skills & Qualifications of our Down Syndrome Support Workers
Our Support Workers for Down Syndrome have studied and trained diligently to understand and respond to the needs of people with Down Syndrome. You can feel confident and at ease with our Down Syndrome Support Workers’ exceptional skills and qualifications. We pride ourselves on our years of experience providing Down Syndrome Support.
You’ll partner with a highly qualified Down Syndrome Specialist in Sydney, or across Australia, to improve your or your loved one’s life and enhance your overall well being. Our specialists have targeted expertise to provide treatment for people with disabilities.
Our Down Syndrome Support Workers have training and experience in all aspects of Down Syndrome Support, from special programmes for young children to occupational supports for adults with Down Syndrome. We utilise specialised tools and technologies to work with children, including those who have speech disorders.
Will NDIS pay for Down Syndrome assessment?
NDIS provides access to independent assessments for children and adults with Down Syndrome to determine their level of functioning. Rather than focusing on diagnosis, these Down Syndrome assessments are designed to determine the severity of your or your loved one’s disability and level of functioning in everyday life. Talk to a Down Syndrome Support Worker today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions related to Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra copy can occur in three ways: Trisomy 21 (an extra copy in every cell), Mosaicism (an extra copy in some cells), or Translocation (when a piece of chromosome 21 breaks off and attaches to another chromosome).
Down syndrome can be diagnosed before or after birth. Pre-natal diagnoses include tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Post-natal diagnoses can be made through a physical examination, chromosome analysis, or other medical tests.
The signs and symptoms of Down syndrome vary, but may include: a smaller head, short neck, flat face, upward slanting eyes, short stature, low muscle tone, a single deep crease across the palm of the hand, and a gap between the first and second toes.
Down syndrome is not hereditary. The extra chromosome 21 can occur spontaneously at conception and is not passed down from parent to child.
There is currently no cure for Down syndrome. However, early intervention programs, such as physical therapy and speech therapy, can help improve the development of individuals with Down syndrome.
Individuals with Down syndrome can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives with the support of family, friends, and community. With access to education, healthcare, and adaptive technologies, many individuals with Down syndrome can lead productive lives and contribute to their communities.
Individuals with Down syndrome are capable of forming meaningful relationships, just like anyone else. They can have friends, romantic partners, and close familial relationships.
Common health issues associated with Down syndrome include: heart defects, hearing loss, vision problems, digestive problems, infections, respiratory issues, and thyroid issues. Regular medical check-ups and early intervention can help manage these health issues.
Yes, individuals with Down syndrome can attend regular schools with the support of special education services, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and accommodations. With appropriate support, many individuals with Down syndrome can succeed academically and socially in regular education settings.
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The heart is one of the most commonly affected organs in individuals with Down syndrome. Around 50% of individuals with Down syndrome are born with congenital heart defects, which can range from mild to severe. Other commonly affected organs may include the digestive system, eyes, and ears.
The rarest form of Down syndrome is mosaic Down syndrome, which occurs in only 1% of all Down syndrome cases. This type of Down syndrome occurs when only some cells in the body contain the extra chromosome 21, while others do not.
The biggest risk factor for Down syndrome is maternal age. Women who are 35 years or older are at a higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome compared to younger women. However, it is important to note that Down syndrome can occur in women of any age.
There is no evidence that Down syndrome affects hair growth or hair quality. However, some individuals with Down syndrome may experience other physical differences, such as smaller facial features and a slightly flattened profile, that can impact the appearance of hair.
Yes, individuals with Down syndrome can drink. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential effects of alcohol on individuals with Down syndrome, as they may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol compared to typically developing individuals. Additionally, it is important to ensure that individuals with Down syndrome are not provided with alcohol without adult supervision.
Individuals with Down syndrome can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives with the support of family, friends, and community. With access to education, healthcare, and adaptive technologies, many individuals with Down syndrome can lead productive lives and contribute to their communities.
Yes, two individuals with Down syndrome can have a baby. However, the chances of having a child with Down syndrome are increased if both parents have the condition. Additionally, it is important to note that individuals with Down syndrome may face certain challenges, such as intellectual and developmental disabilities, that may impact their ability to have children.
The ability of an individual with Down syndrome to drive varies and depends on several factors, such as their cognitive and physical abilities. Some individuals with Down syndrome may be able to drive with the help of adaptations or assistive devices, while others may not be able to drive due to their disabilities.
Advancements in medical care have greatly improved the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome. Currently, individuals with Down syndrome can expect to live an average of 60 years, with some living well into their 80s.
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