NAME:    Keri Parker AGE: 13 years CASE: Keri is a pupil with special needs – she has Down’s syndrome which means it takes longer for her to learn things. Apparently she’s beginning to refuse school because she’s being made fun of. Keri, usually outgoing, has weak hip, knee and ankle joints.

Keri is refusing to go to school; it turns out she’s being laughed at because she can’t run very fast.

NOTES

Keri’s teacher thinks there’s more going wrong in Keri’s life than being made fun of. Teacher can deal with the bullying but what else is happening?

Teacher suggests to Keri’s mother that Keri joins a drama group. Keri keen, but mother worried because of Keri’s learning difficulty. Keri joins in the group and the group accept her without difficulty. Keri has ability to improvise funny lines.

Group rehearse for a performance, but Keri reveals she doesn’t want to be in it. Her friend Sophie discovers that Keri thinks she’s too fat and that she walks funny. (NB Weight gain is a particular issue for people with Down’s Syndrome.) Keri has a central scene in the play where she’s the main character who has to catch a burglar – it has a lot of physical action in it. Keri needs regular support to ensure she can walk and run easily.

RELEVANT CONSIDERATIONS

• Keri likes to eat crisps and chocolate biscuits – she’s always handing them around
• Keri has to wear special footwear to help her walk properly, but she wants a pair of trendy pink trainers, Keri’s lower joints need checking to ensure all is working as well as possible as do her feet
• Keri regularly visits a physiotherapist because she has to work on her muscles to keep them flexible
• Keri will gain self-esteem from the play if she can be persuaded to do it
• Will the young people at Keri’s school stop laughing at her?