Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 700 babies born in the United States each year.
The American Physical Therapy Association has created resources for parents of children with Down syndrome, explaining the importance of physical therapy in facilitating their child's growth and development to enable them to function at their best throughout all the stages of life.
Low muscle tone, decreased strength, increased movement at the joints, poor balance, posture difficulties, feeding problems, and poor hand use often delay natural development in children with DS. Physical therapists help children with DS develop gross motor skills in order to achieve important developmental milestones. These skills can include, but are not limited to, head control, sitting, crawling, postural control, standing, and walking.
Treatment for DS still is evolving, but recent research suggests that strength, balance, and cognitive function are three factors that influence physical development. While the abilities of children with DS can differ vastly in these areas, physical therapists can play a key role in helping children develop strength and balance; the earlier your child begins physical therapy, the better the outcomes.
Parents and other family members also are an important role in the development of children with DS. Physical therapists can teach family members how to do exercises at home with someone with DS and make it a whole family affair. Playing time could include activities such as putting together puzzles, throwing a ball back and forth or even climbing a jungle gym, which can help your child. Just remember to keep a log of what you as a family are doing and keep open communication between you and your child's physical therapist.
In later childhood and early adulthood, people with DS may develop other conditions such as obesity, poor cardiovascular health, thyroid dysfunction, skin disorders, depression, and difficulty learning tasks that require more complex movement. Physical therapists are able to work with the family and other health care providers to reduce or prevent these conditions. Please call your local physical therapist to set up an appointment to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your child.