What are some interventions for Down syndrome?

Therapies for Down Syndrome

• Speech-language Therapy. Speech-language therapy addresses communication and language skills by focusing on articulation, cognitive skills, and strengthening the oral muscles (tongue, lips).
• Physical Therapy.
• Occupational Therapy.
• Assistive Technology.
• Special Education.

How does physiotherapy help with Down syndrome?

Physiotherapy can help individuals with Downsyndrome to: Develop gross motor skills such as sitting, crawling and standing. Improve posture. Improve balance.

How can an occupational therapist help someone with Down syndrome?

Occupational Therapists can help individuals with Downsyndrome by breaking down tasks into smaller steps, and then teaching them how to complete each step by step task. Occupational therapists can also provide appropriate aids and adaptations to assist with the completion of skills.

What are the physical needs of a person with Down syndrome?

Children with Down syndrome want to do what all children want to do: they want to sit, crawl, walk, explore their environment, and interact with the people around them. To do that, they need to develop their gross motor skills.

When to start physical therapy for children with Down syndrome?

Rolls to prone 7 months 5-9 months 7 months Sits unsupported 10 months 8-11 months 7 months Crawls 14 months 9-19 months 8 months Pulls to Stand 15 months 8-26 months 8 months Stands Alone 18 months 12-38 months 11 months Walks Alone 23 months 13-48 months 12 months Runs 4 years NA 1 ½ years Jumps 4-5 years NA 2 years

What are the early intervention services for Down syndrome?

The most common early intervention services for babies with Down syndrome are physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.

What kind of treatment does someone with Down Syndrome need?

Treatment throughout the course of an individual’s life will involve regular medical check-ups, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional needs and counselling. Regular medical check-ups are important for identifying, managing and monitoring an individual with Down syndrome’s overall health condition.

How does occupational therapy help children with Down syndrome?

Occupational therapy helps children develop and master skills for independence. It can also help with abilities that include opening and closing things, picking up and releasing toys of various sizes and shapes, stacking and building, manipulating knobs and buttons, experimenting with crayons.