Every child is born with the innate potential to grow, learn, and shine in his or her own way. For a baby with Down syndrome, early intervention illuminates the path of possibilities and unlocks countless doors to their development. 

What is early intervention, and why does it play such a pivotal role?

Early intervention is a proactive approach that includes specialized therapies,  methods, and educational strategies tailored to meet the unique developmental needs of young children. Early intervention services are free of charge and are available throughout New York State.

“Early intervention makes a tremendous difference in the lives of kids with Down syndrome,” says Mrs. Surie Morgenstern, director of Pillar Support. “It can help protect your child’s health and allow him to reach milestones earlier than he would have naturally. 

“Realize that you may not see results immediately, but there will be long-term gains. The exercises you’re doing now will lay the foundation for a strong body and will help your child’s future development and well-being.” 

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Types of Early Intervention 

Early intervention services can be provided in a variety of settings, including the child’s home, daycare center, or early childhood education program. Services are typically customized to meet the specific needs of the child and family.

There are various early interventions, each aimed at helping a child in a different area. 

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Physical Therapy: Strengthening Foundations

Physical therapy is an integral part of early intervention for kids with Down syndrome. It can help them develop the motor skills they need to explore their environment, learn, and interact with others.

A baby with Down syndrome may have low muscle tone, making it difficult to achieve certain milestones, such as holding up his head and rolling over. Physical therapy facilitates these milestones and aids in the development of other essential motor skills, such as reaching for items, grasping, and walking.

Children need to move both freely and deliberately to truly understand their surroundings. Activities like reaching for toys, tracking moving objects with their eyes, or turning over are all tied to gross and subtle motor skills. Such movements foster an understanding of the child’s surroundings and promote cognitive and social growth.

Physical therapists may also teach children how to use adaptive equipment, such as walkers or wheelchairs.

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Speech and Language Therapy: Groundwork for Communication 

Speech and language therapy is another essential pillar of early intervention for children with Down syndrome. Even if some kids with Down syndrome might only voice their first words at the age of two or three, they can learn many pre-speech and pre-language skills with the help of a speech and language therapist.

These foundational skills include imitating sounds, turn-taking skills honed through playing games, visual and auditory processing, tactile experiences, oral motor capabilities, and cognitive abilities like understanding the concepts of object permanence and cause and effect. 

When necessary, speech and language therapists might introduce children to a form of sign language so they can communicate, or other alternative communication techniques.

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Occupational Therapy: Nurturing Independence 

Occupational therapy empowers kids with Down syndrome by equipping them with essential skills to navigate daily life. This includes tasks such as opening and closing objects, picking up and putting down toys, stacking and building, manipulating knobs and buttons, coloring, feeding and dressing themselves, and playing with other children.

Furthermore, occupational therapists also help children with Down syndrome develop skills such as sensory processing, executive functioning, and social skills through various activities and interventions.

For example, OTs can help kids with Down syndrome develop sensory processing skills by allowing them to experience various sensory stimuli in a safe and controlled environment. This might involve playing in a sensory room filled with different types of sensory equipment, such as swings, crash pads, and ball pits. 

Even at this young age, executive functioning is crucial and is fostered by breaking down tasks and incorporating visual cues. These professionals also gently embed a foundation of social interaction by teaching basic yet vital social cues like sharing and turn-taking. 

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‍Special Instruction: Boosting Natural Abilities

Special instruction in the context of early intervention is a broad category that includes a range of educational and developmental strategies designed specifically for kids with Down syndrome. An early childhood special educator often administers this kind of therapy. 

The aim is to bolster cognitive development and foster skills the child will need for future learning and daily life. Activities might include interactive play to promote problem-solving skills; storytelling, which boosts language and comprehension skills; and visual aids to help the child grasp concepts. 

The goal of special instruction is to capitalize on the child’s strengths while addressing areas in which he might need extra support, ensuring he’s equipped for future educational settings and day-to-day activities.

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Feeding Therapy: Enhancing Food Exploration

For toddlers and infants with Down syndrome, feeding can present unique challenges, due to the typical facial features of Down syndrome such as low muscle tone and a protruding tongue. 

Feeding therapy, usually administered by a speech or occupational therapist, addresses these challenges. The therapy focuses on strengthening oral muscles, improving swallowing techniques, and promoting safe and efficient feeding habits. 

Beyond ensuring that children get adequate nutrition, the goal of feeding therapy is to make mealtimes enjoyable and stress-free for both the children and parents. Techniques might include introducing different food textures, using specialized feeding tools, and using exercises to improve tongue and lip movement.

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Nutrition: Fortifying Health 

Good nutrition is vital for the healthy development of all children, but it’s especially crucial for kids with Down syndrome, who may have unique metabolic and dietary needs. 

A pediatric nutritionist or dietitian specializing in children with special needs will evaluate your child’s growth patterns, dietary intake, and potential nutrient deficiencies. Based on this assessment, she’ll provide tailored nutritional recommendations for your child. 

These recommendations may include specific nutrient-rich foods  and guidance on portion sizes and meal schedules. Regular consultations can ensure that the child’s changing nutritional needs are consistently met as he grows.
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‍Where to Start

If you have a baby with Down syndrome, consider contacting an Early Intervention service provider, like Hamaspik’s Milestone department. They can help determine your child’s eligibility for services and set up an initial assessment.

“We begin by comparing your child’s performance to typical milestones for his age,” explains Mrs. Dena Borenstein, a developmental specialist and evaluator at Milestone. “Even at six weeks old, there’s a lot we can gauge!

“We look at aspects like social-emotional connections. Can the baby establish eye contact? Track objects with his eyes? Respond to sounds? Lift his head when placed on his stomach? By two months, we check if they move their hands toward a toy and if they can bear weight on their legs when held upright.” 

Following the assessment, the team collaborates to develop a personalized intervention plan, encompassing the baby’s unique needs and strengths. This plan is designed to provide guidance and structure, offering a roadmap to help your child meet critical developmental milestones.

The first step is always identifying the child’s current abilities and areas that need support. From there, the team designs targeted interventions that blend seamlessly into the child’s daily routines, ensuring consistent progress. Parents play a pivotal role in this process, and the early intervention team provides them with the necessary tools and techniques to stimulate their child. 

With consistent early intervention, many kids with Down syndrome can build foundational skills that benefit them immensely as they grow. This process is a team effort, uniting therapists, parents, and the child. 

Don’t hesitate to seek out support and resources. Therapy for Down Syndrome is not just about addressing challenges; it’s about unlocking potential. With the proper tools and guidance, you can watch your child blossom.