Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome (DS) refers to a genetic condition that is caused by an extra chromosome in the DNA chain on chromosome 21, referred to as Trisomy 21, affecting about 1 in every 700 births per year in the US.

Down Syndrome causes intellectual disability and physical delays but the severity can differ in every child. Children with Down Syndrome often have hypotonia or low muscle tone, which refers to the feeling of laxity or looseness in their joints or muscles. Low muscle tone can contribute to difficulty with postural control and acquiring gross motor skills. Poor postural control can also impact feeding, speaking and arm function. Although delayed, children with Down Syndrome respond well to therapy services and gain skills over time. Therapeutic Interventions focus on the specific needs of every patient, from orthotic management, to gait training and communication supports, to adapted equipment needs and activity participation.