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Down Syndrome Treatment & Therapy
Scientifically… Down syndrome is a genetic condition resulting from the presence of one extra copy of the 21st chromosome resulting in a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.
Developmentally…. This extra chromosome causes both physical and cognitive challenges usually meaning there is a delay in these areas.
What questions should I be asking about my child?
As a parent, what should I be doing to maximize my child’s potential?
Educate yourself. Know how to challenge your child socially, emotionally, and developmentally at each age level. Just like you do with any child.
What is low tone and what can I do to help my child with a low tone level?
Low tone presents itself like weakness (but it is NOT weakness). Your child will seem to be floppy. The results of low tone are best minimized by increasing muscle strength.
Developmental Checklist
Is your child meeting their developmental milestones?
Should I be concerned if my child is not reaching normal developmental milestones?
What is normal? Children develop at all different rates. Be informed. It is best to know what “next steps” your child should be meeting. If your baby is bringing hands to mouth then encourage reaching for a toy next. If your baby can sit propped on arms then encourage beginning to reach with 1 arm next.
Who should I consult with to learn how to challenge my child?
Your pediatrician and other parents who have children with Down Syndrome will guide and direct you. We recommend seeing a physical therapist to help with gross motor skills, an occupational therapist to help with fine motor/feeding/behavior/sensory needs and a speech pathologist for speech/language and feeding development.
Should I wait to start my child in therapy services and how often should we go?
Seeking help early will first and foremost educate you, the parent, how to facilitate development every day. Even if dealing with medical issues, a therapist will show you the best positioning to encourage head shape and overall strength. Weekly therapy is recommended as children change so quickly. We want to be here to answer all your questions as your child makes gains.
Social Development
What is it? Social initiation, social imitation, behavior patterns, social interactions, ability to make transitions from one play activity to another.
Gross Motor
What is it? Sitting, standing, moving in space or place, using our hands, carrying things for ourselves, working.
Fine Motor
What is it? Controlling small muscle movements in the hands, feet, mouth, face, etc. Activities like playing with Legos, coloring/drawing, using scissors, tying one’s shoes.
Speech Development
What is it? Producing the sounds correctly and fluently, understanding others, sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
Down Syndrome FAQs
Parent Testimonial:
"Ethan was diagnosed with the special ability of Down Syndrome. He had open heart surgery at the age of 4 months old and has been in speech, physical, and occupational therapy most of his life. We are so thankful that we have found ABC Pediatric Therapy Network. The therapists have been wonderful. At our initial assessment the therapists were friendly, thorough, made suggestions, and most importantly they listened. They have kept us up to date with feedback and are finding interesting things for our son to do to keep engaged during therapy sessions. If you are looking for therapy for your child we highly recommend ABC."
Through steady improvement, your child can attain a boost of confidence.
Help your child find new levels of independence with pediatric physical therapy in Cincinnati and Dayton, OH.