NDIS
Down Syndrome Support Services

Absolutely. Whether your NDIS plan is Self-Managed, Plan-Managed, or NDIA-Managed, Maple Community Services is a registered NDIS provider equipped to deliver services under your existing arrangements without delay.

Dedicated support workers work side-by-side with participants on practical routines, including managing personal care and home cooking, mastering money management and budgeting, and navigating local communities safely using public transport. 

Apart from practical tasks, the focus extends to fostering strong communication habits and encouraging social engagement, ensuring participants gain both the practical tools and social confidence needed to live more independent lives.

Maple Community Services offers flexible, tailored housing solutions to suit varying levels of independent living preferences for individuals with Down Syndrome. 

For those seeking round-the-clock care, Supported Independent Living (SIL) provides 24/7 assistance in shared or individual home settings across major locations in NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, and NT. 

Additionally, Maple provides Individualised Living Options (ILO) for completely customised living arrangements designed around a participant’s specific routines and choices, as well as Short Term Accommodation (STA) and Respite stays that engage participants in structured social activities while giving primary carers a well-deserved break.

Maple is a participant-first mindset rooted in strong family values. Rather than relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions, Maple delivers customised care plans that evolve alongside an individual’s changing goals over time. 

Participants benefit from 24/7 support capacity tailored to handle complex needs or emergency situations, alongside a multicultural team across NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, and NT that delivers culturally sensitive care. To ensure meaningful connections, Maple thoughtfully pairs participants with support workers based on shared interests, personality compatibility, and specific support requirements.

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.

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 T. 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.

Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, occurs when a baby is born with an extra Chromosome 21 or an extra part of Chromosome 21. This is usually caused by an error in cell division during gestation and alters the course of development, resulting in the characteristics commonly associated with Down Syndrome. People with Down Syndrome may have differing levels of disability depending on the extent of the genetic mutation.

This additional chromosome can cause differing levels of intellectual disability, as well as a number of physical and developmental malformations, and a predisposition for other chronic illnesses. The common physical traits of Down Syndrome include low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the centre of the palm. Each individual with Down Syndrome is unique and may possess any one of these characteristics to a certain degree or not at all.

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 its own.

Mosaic Down Syndrome is the rarest type, and only some cells have an extra chromosome 21.

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.

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.

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.

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. Prenatal 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Down Syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal conditions in Australia, with up to 15,000 people living with the condition. The good news is that people with Down Syndrome are living longer and healthier lives than they were able to in the past due to continued in-depth research and support systems available to them. Living with Down Syndrome can be a challenge, but many people born with the disease go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

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.