Scoutbase UK (United Kingdom) has an extensive and growing library of fact sheets on Special Needs Scouting that may be downloaded in PDF format free of charge.
From Managing Behaviour:
What is the ‘praise’ or ‘blame’ culture of your Group like? You may want to look at whether the atmosphere is full of criticism or a constant reinforcing of acceptable behaviour. ‘Thank you’ and ‘Well done’ need to be heard (and meant) when talking to young people and between Leaders too. Remember too that it is the behaviour which is unacceptable, rather than the young person and provide opportunities for them to have good behaviour acknowledged. Avoid labelling individuals as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, referring rather to acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. This helps everyone to focus on what the problem is and deal with it.
From Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD):
Flexibility is important and taking a break may prove very successful, especially where the individual can take time out themselves when they recognise a problem escalating – this needs to be seen as a positive – recognising their own need and taking steps to address it.
From Downs Syndrome:
It must be explained that although the list of physical needs may seem daunting, not all young people with Down Syndrome have all the problems at once, if at all. Many will have learnt to deal with the problems in their own way. Learn from the individual by being with them and together you will be able to bring out the best. Obvious benefits will accrue from keeping in close contact with the family and keeping them informed of the young person’s progress.