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Tips for Having Conversations at Gatherings & Parties

December 16, 2025

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Conversation Tips for Holiday Gatherings

Gatherings and parties offer opportunities to connect and engage with family, friends, and other guests. Having conversations is an important social skill that contributes to our ability to participate in and enjoy these interactions with others. The list below shares tips for supporting individuals with Down syndrome in having successful and meaningful conversations in these social situations.

  • Discuss who will be at the gathering.
  • In the days leading up to the gathering, discuss the names of people on the guest list and the person with Down syndrome’s relationship to the guests. It may help to look at photos of the guests.
  • Make a list of topics to talk about.
  • Help the person with Down syndrome brainstorm topics they feel comfortable talking about as well as questions they can ask other guests. It may help to identify topics for specific guests (e.g., asking a niece/nephew about a sport they play or asking a friend about their new job).
  • Discuss questions that other guests may ask the person with Down syndrome. Practice responding to the questions.
  • Review conversation etiquette/rules.
  • These “rules” may include maintaining eye contact, listening, having good personal space, waiting our turn to speak, and staying on topic. This visual called My Rules for Conversation shares information about conversation etiquette.
  • Practice!
  • Reinforce the information discussed above every day for several days leading up to the gathering or party.

When you are at the event, consider helping the individual with Down syndrome start a conversation by bringing up one of the topics from the list they brainstormed. Model a slower pace of conversation for the other guests by giving the individual with Down syndrome plenty of time to respond. It also may be helpful to remind your loved one that they can step away and take a break if they are feeling overwhelmed.

Resources

Communication Board

My Rules for Conversations Visual

Tips for Navigating the Holidays

View All Resources
View All Resources

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