Occupational therapy for children with Down syndrome helps develop motor, self-care, and communication skills while building independence, strength, and daily living abilities.

If you’re caring for a child with Down syndrome, you might be concerned about your child’s development. It’s common for children with Down syndrome to struggle to pay attention or to move their body the way they need to. It can be tough to manage these challenges, but occupational therapy for children with disabilities can help you build key movement skills with your child. Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder in the United States, but both children and adults across the country have learned to live full and satisfying lives with it. Keep reading to find out more about Down syndrome, its causes, and what you can do to promote your child’s movement and motor skills if they have Down syndrome.

What Is Down Syndrome?

Your genetic material is stored in the nucleus of your cells. It’s where you get any traits you inherit from your parents – the color of your hair and eyes, whether or not you can roll your tongue, and whether or not you have dimples are some examples of inherited traits. Typically, each cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which come from each of your biological parents. If you have a child with Down syndrome, they have either a partial or a full extra copy of chromosome 21.

This additional genetic material can alter the course of development, and create the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a condition that will affect your child into adulthood. With support and intervention, however, people with Down syndrome can live full and happy lives. Down syndrome can affect your child’s motor skills, which are necessary for activities like eating, dressing, and playing.

Are There Different Types Of Down Syndrome?

There are three types of Down syndrome:

1. Trisomy 21

Trisomy 21 is the most common kind of Down syndrome and it occurs when there is another copy of chromosome 21 in every cell.

2. Translocation

Translocation is a form of Down syndrome where a child has the typical number of 46 chromosomes, but with an extra piece of chromosome 21 attached. Translocation doesn’t include people with the full chromosome  21.

3. Mosaicism

Mosaicism is a type of Down syndrome where some cells of the body have an extra chromosome. Mosaicism tends to lead to fewer symptoms than other types of Down syndrome.

Characteristics Of Down Syndrome

Down syndrome can present itself in developmental, physical, and medical characteristics, which can vary greatly across individuals. Some children may also show impulsive behavior as a result of Down syndrome, and it might take them longer to learn new concepts compared to other children the same age who don’t have Down syndrome. Physical characteristics of Down syndrome are most prominent in the head, face, and neck.

Children with Down syndrome often have shorter necks, flat facial features, and smaller heads and ears. They might also have a tongue that tends to stick out of their mouth and eyes that slant upward. People with Down syndrome might also have atypically shaped ears and poor muscle tone. An infant with Down syndrome can be average sized at birth but will develop more slowly than a child without the condition.

Other health conditions may occur more frequently with children who have Down syndrome. These may include heart defects, leukemia, late tooth growth, and hip dislocation. Children with Down syndrome may have a weaker immune system which makes them more prone to respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. They may often experience sensory overload, in particular becoming overwhelmed by unexpectedly loud sounds, but may also enjoy listening to loud music.

In addition, hearing loss is a common symptom of Down syndrome. Just like all other people, individuals with Down syndrome may have sensory processing disorder. If that’s the case, occupational therapy intervention sometimes includes treatments for sensory processing disorder. Children with Down syndrome often have issues with speech and communication as well, so they can often benefit from pediatric speech therapy treatments alongside occupational therapy. Those with Down syndrome sometimes have delayed social communication skills Just like all children who struggle with social skills, they can benefit from support to gain these skills. It’s important to note, however, that every person with Down syndrome is unique, and these characteristics may occur at different levels, or not at all.

Causes Of Down Syndrome

Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which make up a total of 46. You receive one set of 23 from each parent, creating the pairs. Down syndrome is caused when one of the pairs of chromosomes doesn’t separate properly and it results in a child having an extra or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome causes the brain and physical features to develop differently. But why does this chromosomal abnormality happen?

How Can Occupational Therapy Help Children With Down Syndrome?

Occupational therapists work with children who have Down syndrome and their families to help them reach their potential as they grow. An occupational therapist can help parents and caregivers learn how to support a child with Down syndrome at each stage of development. The sooner you begin working with an occupational therapist, the better your child’s outcomes are likely to be. Babies and young children with Down syndrome can benefit from occupational therapy by working with an occupational therapist to strengthen the muscles in their cheeks, tongue, and lips, which helps during feeding.

The occupational therapist can also teach self feeding skills and determine if adaptive equipment will help to increase independence. During early childhood, occupational therapy can help children with Down syndrome focus on motor skills for independence, improving low muscle tone, core stability and loose ligaments at the joints. An occupational therapist can help a child to learn how to do self care skills such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, taking themselves to the bathroom or following a bedtime routine.

School-aged children with Down syndrome can work with an occupational therapist to master self-care skills like zipping a jacket, helping with chores at home and keeping track of supplies in a school backpack. Fine and gross motor skills like cutting with scissors and writing and playing on the playground are addressed to help the child to be successful in the classroom. Occupational therapists can even work with your child’s school to make their classroom spaces more accommodating and appropriate to your child’s abilities and can work on communication skills through printing, building handwriting skills, and keyboarding.

Supporting Your Child’s Development With Occupational Therapy for Down Syndrome

Occupational therapy can play an important role in helping children with Down syndrome build essential skills, increase independence, and participate more confidently in daily activities. With the right support, children can strengthen their motor skills, self-care abilities, communication, and overall development while working toward their individual goals.

At New Horizons Wellness Services, our team provides personalized care to help children and families navigate developmental challenges. Our relevant services include:

● Pediatric Occupational Therapy: Our occupational therapists support children with Down syndrome by helping improve fine and gross motor skills, self-care abilities, sensory processing, feeding skills, and daily routines to promote greater independence.

● Social Skills Groups: These groups help children develop communication, interaction, and relationship-building skills while practicing positive social behaviors in a supportive environment.

If your child could benefit from additional support, our experienced team at New Horizons Wellness Services is here to help create a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. Visit https://nhws.us/ to learn more about our services and take the next step toward helping your child reach their fullest potential. Book a call now!

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child with Down syndrome start occupational therapy?

Early intervention is very helpful. Children with Down syndrome can begin occupational therapy as infants or toddlers once developmental delays or muscle tone concerns are noticed. At New Horizons Wellness Services, we evaluate your child’s needs and create a plan that supports development at each stage of growth.

What skills can occupational therapy help my child improve?

Our occupational therapists work on daily living and developmental skills such as feeding, dressing, handwriting, fine motor coordination, sensory processing, and play skills. We focus on helping your child gain independence and confidence in home, school, and community activities.

Will I be involved in my child’s therapy sessions?

Yes. Parent and caregiver involvement is an important part of therapy. We teach you strategies and activities you can use at home so your child can continue practicing skills outside of the clinic and make consistent progress.

How often will my child need occupational therapy?

The frequency depends on your child’s specific strengths, challenges, and goals. After an evaluation, our therapists recommend a schedule that may include weekly or more frequent sessions, along with a home program to support ongoing development.

Can occupational therapy help my child succeed in school?

Yes. We work on skills that directly support school participation, including attention, following routines, handwriting, fine motor coordination, and organization. We can also collaborate with families and schools to help create strategies that improve your child’s success in the classroom.

EDITORIAL REVIEW BY MELODIE ETHEL-KING, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Melodie Ethel-King, OTR/L is a licensed Occupational Therapist at New Horizons Wellness Services with more than 30 years of clinical experience serving children, teens, and adults in community, medical, school, and home-based settings. She specializes in ADHD, autism, sensory processing, executive functioning, handwriting, and self regulation. She has extensive experience helping individuals develop practical strategies that improve participation at home, school, work, and in the community.

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