Therapy Services

Many families of children with Down syndrome choose to access therapy services.  This can often be daunting as there are a range of service providers, both public and private, and a range of health professionals that may be involved in assisting your family.  As it may take some time before you commence therapy services, the following information will provide you with a brief overview of therapist roles and some of the recommendations that are commonly made to families new to a service.

Therapists 

Physiotherapists  ("physio" or PT ) promote a variety of posture and movement experiences and maximise quality of movement.  They aim to develop gross motor skills such as rolling, sitting, cawling and walking.

Speech Pathologists ("speechie" or SP) promote early exposure to communication and enhance understanding.  They also assist in the development of feeding skills.

Occupational Therapists (OT) assist in the development of fine motor skills and sensory processing. 

Articles and Information

Occupational Therapy and the child with Down Syndrome by Maryanne Bruni

Speech Therapy for Down Syndrome

Comprehensive Speech and Language Treatment for Infants, Toddlers and Children with Down Syndrome - Libby Kumin                              

Helping Babies with Down Syndrome Develop Speech and Language

Physical Therapy in Down Syndrome - Patricia Winders

Why Down Syndrome Physiotherapy Should Be Started Early

Resources

Newman, Sarah Small Steps Forward : Using Games and Activities to Help Your Pre-School Child with Special Needs

Bruni, Maryanne Fine Motor Skills

Winders, Patricia Gross Motor Skills

Kumin, Libby Early Communication Skills in Children with Down Syndrome

Hawaii Early Learning Profile HELP

Small Steps

Down Syndrome: the first 18 months (DVD + VHS)

Selikowitz, Mark Down Syndrome : the facts