At Therapy & Wellness Connection, we understand the unique needs of children with Down syndrome. Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, usually leads to developmental delays in motor skills, sensory processing issues, and challenges in achieving independence. Akron occupational therapy (OT) services can play a crucial role in addressing these areas, helping children with Down syndrome develop the skills they need to thrive in everyday life.

Here, we’ll detail how occupational therapy at our multidisciplinary clinic supports children with Down syndrome in Northeast Ohio, focusing on motor skill development, sensory processing, and fostering independence.

1. Motor Skill Development

Children with Down syndrome typically experience delays in both fine and gross motor skills due to lower muscle tone (hypotonia), joint laxity, and general developmental delays. Our Akron occupational therapy helps target these motor difficulties to build strength, coordination, and functional movement.

Gross Motor Skills:

Gross motor skills involve the larger muscles of the body and include activities like sitting, crawling, walking, and jumping. Many children with Down syndrome take longer to develop these abilities due to the challenges posed by hypotonia and joint instability. OT works to:

• Improve Muscle Strength: Therapists use specific exercises and activities to strengthen core muscles, which are vital for sitting, standing, and walking.
• Enhance Balance and Coordination: OT can help children develop better control over their movements, improving their balance, coordination, and ability to perform activities like climbing stairs or running.
• Develop Postural Control: Strengthening postural muscles through therapy helps children sit upright at a desk, stand for extended periods, and engage in other daily activities that require good posture.

Fine Motor Skills:

Fine motor skills, which involve small movements like grasping, pinching, and manipulating objects, are often delayed in children with Down syndrome. OT addresses fine motor delays by:

• Improving Hand Strength and Dexterity: Activities such as squeezing playdough, picking up small objects, or stringing beads help children develop the fine motor control needed for everyday tasks.
• Supporting Hand-Eye Coordination: Many tasks, such as handwriting, cutting with scissors, or using utensils, require good hand-eye coordination. Occupational therapists use fun, engaging activities to help children practice and improve these skills.

2. Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets and responds to sensory input, such as touch, sound, or movement. Many children with Down syndrome have sensory processing issues, which can make them either hypersensitive or under-sensitive to certain stimuli. These difficulties can affect their ability to focus, interact socially, or participate in daily activities.

Occupational therapy incorporates sensory integration techniques to help children with Down syndrome process sensory information in a more organized way. Our Akron OTs address sensory processing issues using approaches like:

• Sensory Diets: A sensory diet is a personalized plan of sensory activities that help children regulate their sensory responses throughout the day. For example, a child who is sensitive to loud sounds might benefit from wearing noise-canceling headphones in busy environments. Conversely, a child who craves movement might be provided with regular opportunities for jumping or swinging.
• Tactile and Proprioceptive Activities: Children with Down syndrome may have difficulty understanding where their body is in space (proprioception) or may be sensitive to textures or touch. OT uses activities like squeezing stress balls, jumping on trampolines, or playing in sensory bins to help children become more comfortable with different sensations.
• Calming Strategies: For children who experience sensory overload, OT can teach calming strategies, such as deep-pressure activities (e.g., using a weighted blanket) or rhythmic movements (e.g., rocking), which help them regulate their emotions and behavior.

3. Promoting Independence

One of the primary goals of occupational therapy is to help children with Down syndrome gain independence in daily activities. Independence allows children to participate more fully in home life, school, and social settings. OT focuses on the skills necessary for self-care, such as dressing, grooming, feeding, and toileting.

• Self-Care Skills: Many children with Down syndrome have difficulty with self-care tasks due to fine motor delays, sensory sensitivities, or cognitive challenges. Occupational therapists break down each task into small, manageable steps, teaching children how to complete these activities independently or with minimal support.
• Adaptive Equipment: In some cases, adaptive equipment may be recommended to help children perform tasks independently. For example, using larger grips on utensils can make it easier for a child to feed themselves, or velcro closures on clothing can simplify getting dressed.
• Executive Functioning Skills: Executive functioning skills, such as organizing, planning, and following instructions, are often delayed in children with Down syndrome. OT helps children improve these skills through structured activities, games, and routines that promote organization and focus.

4. Collaboration with Other Therapies

At our clinic, we take a multidisciplinary approach to therapy, combining the expertise of occupational therapists with speech therapists and ABA therapists. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of a child’s development are addressed comprehensively. For example, while occupational therapy focuses on motor and sensory skills, speech therapy helps improve communication, and ABA therapy supports behavior and social skills. Together, these therapies help children with Down syndrome build the foundation they need for success in school, home, and community life.

Occupational therapy plays an essential role in supporting the developmental needs of children with Down syndrome. By addressing motor skill delays, sensory processing issues, and promoting independence, OT helps children build the skills they need to thrive. If your child has Down syndrome and you’re seeking ways to support their development, our pediatric therapy clinic is here to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can create a personalized therapy plan for your child that addresses their unique strengths and challenges.

For more information about pediatric occupational therapy in Brecksville, Contact Us Online or call our office (330) 748-4807. Our educational services and multidisciplinary therapy are available in Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities.

Additional Resources:

Occupational Therapy for Down Syndrome, Feb. 21, 2022, The OT Toolbox

More Blog Entries:

Daily Living Skills: How Akron Occupational Therapists Help Kids Work Toward Independence, July 10, 2024, Akron Occupational Therapy Blog