Raising a child with Down syndrome comes with its own unique joys and challenges, and as a parent, you want to ensure your child has every opportunity to thrive. Pediatric therapy can be a powerful tool in helping children with Down syndrome build essential skills for greater independence and a higher quality of life.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how physical, occupational, and speech therapy can address the specific challenges children with Down syndrome face, and the incredible benefits these therapies can offer.

What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. This changes how the body and the brain develop. It is a relatively common condition that can impact your child’s physical, cognitive (learning and thinking), and behavioral growth.

What Challenges to Children with Down Syndrome Face?

Children who have Down syndrome commonly experience developmental delays and learning disorders. But thankfully, pediatric therapy and other treatments can help your child gain more independence and improve their overall wellbeing.

Some of the most common challenges children with Down syndrome can face include:

  • Low muscle tone
  • Smaller hands and feet
  • Increased risk of certain health issues
  • Developmental delays
  • Learning disorders
  • Trouble playing or socializing with others
  • Stubbornness or other behavioral challenges
  • Difficulty focusing or paying attention

How Pediatric Therapists Support Children with Down Syndrome

There are many different ways that pediatric therapists can help children with Down syndrome build the skills they need for more independence in life. Often, these children will need more than one type of therapy to address all of their unique needs.

How Physical Therapists Support Children with Down Syndrome

Pediatric physical therapists work on gross motor skills like crawling, walking, jumping, and climbing. We work with children who have Down syndrome to help them achieve their developmental skills for easy and effective movement.

We can also help address low muscle tone using gentle, proven treatments to help your child avoid long-term discomfort or other physical challenges.

How Occupational Therapists Support Children with Down Syndrome

Pediatric occupational therapists work on fine motor skills, cognitive (thinking) skills, social skills, learning, playing, and daily activities like getting dressed or feeding. We work with children who have Down syndrome to help them achieve these vital skills for independence and improved overall wellbeing.

We can also help you find specialized tools that can help your child in daily life, such as pencils, scissors, and other items specifically made for children who have Down syndrome.

How Speech Therapists Support Children with Down Syndrome

Pediatric speech therapists work on speech and language skills, which includes receptive (understanding) language, expressive (sharing) language, body language, and more. We work with children who have Down syndrome to help them achieve their speech and language milestones for effective communication.

We can also recommend augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) devices to help younger children be able to communicate while they’re still building their speech skills.

Benefits Children with Down Syndrome Can Achieve with Pediatric Therapy

With routine therapy sessions, your child can achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life. Some of the skills they can gain include:

  • Improved muscle strength and coordination
  • Stronger fine and gross motor skills
  • Increased balance and better posture
  • More endurance, stamina, and flexibility
  • Stronger communication skills
  • Improved speech sound production
  • Better social skills
  • Improved feeding and swallowing skills
  • More independence in handling daily tasks
  • Better hand-eye coordination
  • Stronger memory, problem-solving, and attention
  • Improved behavioral regulation

Reach Out to Let’s Communicate

If you’re looking for expert support for your child with Down syndrome, Let’s Communicate can help. Reach out to us at (678) 963-0694 to schedule an evaluation with our team today.