Pediatric Therapy for Down Syndrome Support

Mar 20, 2024

Pediatric Therapy

Has your child recently been diagnosed with Down syndrome? If so, then you know how complex of a condition it can be–and that includes finding the right care! At Skills on the Hill, our pediatric physical, speech, and occupational therapists will work together to give your child the tools they need to thrive throughout their life.

Down syndrome occurs when a child is born with an extra chromosome. Typically, a baby has 46 chromosomes when they’re born. These chromosomes shape how the body develops and functions during pregnancy and after birth.

Sometimes, a baby will have a copy of their 21st chromosome. This extra chromosome is what causes Down syndrome, including the physical features and other symptoms that mark the condition.

While a child with Down syndrome will face challenges as they get older, pediatric therapy can give them the tools they need to grow into their full potential. Keep reading to learn more about the important role of pediatric therapy in managing Down syndrome.

Understanding Down Syndrome: Common Symptoms

Every person with Down syndrome experiences the condition differently. Understanding the common symptoms can help give you some guidelines for what to expect, but it’s important to keep in mind that your child’s needs will be unique (that’s also why we always focus on creating personalized treatment plans).

When most people think of Down syndrome, they immediately think of the differences in appearance. People with the condition often share certain physical features, such as upward-tilted eyes, a flattened facial profile, or a small head, ears, and mouth.

However, some physical characteristics of the condition can impact your child’s development, namely decreased muscle tone. This can make it harder for your child to meet motor-related developmental milestones, such as rolling over, standing up, or walking. That said, most children meet those milestones, even if it’s a bit delayed–especially if they work with a pediatric physical therapist.

Down syndrome can also cause mild to moderate cognitive impairment (severe cognitive impairment is rare). As with motor skills, it may take your child a little longer to develop necessary communication skills, but with the help of a pediatric speech therapist, they can get there!

Your child might also exhibit behavioral issues, including a shorter attention span or impulsive tendencies. Fortunately, pediatric occupational therapy can help your child with goal-setting and establishing the day-to-day skills they need to perform well in school and other social situations.

A Deeper Dive into What Pediatric Therapy Can Do to Help

Because Down syndrome is such a complex condition, it requires a multidisciplinary approach to care. At Skills on the Hill, our pediatric physical, speech, and occupational therapists will work closely with you and your child’s overall care team to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your child’s needs.

Here’s a bit more about what each of our teams can do:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps improve your child’s muscular strength and endurance while working to build motor skills. We can…

Help your child meet key gross motor milestones
Improve your child’s balance, coordination, posture, and gait
Ensure your child finds physical activities that they enjoy

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy helps your child communicate more effectively. We can…

Help your child develop the necessary speech and language skills
Improve your child’s articulation and address any muscular weakness in the face and mouth
Offer alternative means of communication (such as sign language) as your child works on their speaking skills

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy gives your child the tools they need to thrive in their day-to-day life. We can…

Help your child meet key fine motor milestones (fine motor skills use the small muscles in the fingers and hands, such as holding a pencil)
Provide assistance in different areas based on your child’s needs, including helping with feeding challenges, self-care and grooming activities, or building social skills
Suggest accommodations or activity modifications at school and elsewhere
Show your child how to advocate for their needs

Schedule an Initial Consultation Today!

Pediatric therapy at Skills on the Hill offers a wealth of benefits for children with Down syndrome, no matter their age or the severity of their symptoms. We’ll perform an in-depth assessment to ensure treatment meets your child’s needs.

If you want to get started with a personalized treatment, schedule an appointment at our Washington, DC or Arlington, VA clinic today.