Decision making guide for people with Down Syndrome

A topic that seems to attract a lot of interest for people with Down Syndrome is making decisions.

Today, we’d like to share a new resource from Down Syndrome Australia designed to support people with Down Syndrome to be involved in making decisions about their lives.

It’s also an excellent guide for parents and carers of people with Down Syndrome.

What is a decision?

A decision involves making a choice about what you want to do. Another way to describe a decision is making your mind up.

Small decisions are about day-to-day things like what to wear, what to eat, who to spend time with and where to go. Big decisions can include things like your choice of doctor, whether you want to find a job or where you live.

Everyone has the right to make their own decisions. The new guide says that people with Down Syndrome often have less practice at making their own decisions because other people make choices for them.

Making decisions helps you to feel confident and capable. It also helps you learn how to make better decisions.

Supported decision making

The new guide says that supported decision making is a way for you to become more involved in decisions that affect you.

Supported decision making is about helping you obtain and understand the information you need, so that you can make the best choice.

In supported decision making, you build a team of patient and trusted friends, family members, community members or volunteers who can help you make decisions. Your support team offers guidance but you make the decisions.

Your team can help you:

• Get the information you need
• Weigh up the pros and cons of each option
• Consider the possible outcomes
• Practise decision making

The guide contains a checklist for supporters to help them provide suggestions and advice that can help you make decisions.

Handy links on decision making are also included such as free short courses and videos.

You can find the guide at Supported Decision Making and Down Syndrome.

We can help.

If you have Down Syndrome or if you are a parent or carer of a child with Down Syndrome, check out our story Getting ready for the NDIS when you have Down Syndrome.

Call us on 1300 05 78 78 to have your questions answered, to book your free NDIS pre-planning session or sign up to Leap in! plan management today.