Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center - Expectant and New Parent Packet

Calendar of Events

September

Angels in the Park Picnic (Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley)
September 11, 2010
Gala Committee Meeting
September 12, 2010
DSAHRC Board Meeting
September 13, 2010

Expectant and New Parent Packet

Occupational Therapy and the Child with Down Syndrome

Expectant and New Parent Packet

Maryanne Bruni, BSc OT(C)

If you are a parent reading this, you likely have a child with Down syndrome, as I do. My intent with this article is to provide you with some information about how an occupational therapist (OT) may be able to help you and your child. Occupational therapists who work with children have education and training in child development, neurology, medical conditions, psychosocial development, and therapeutic techniques. Occupational therapists focus on the child's ability to master skills for independence. This can include:

self care skills (feeding, dressing, grooming, etc.)
fine and gross motor skills
skills related to school performance (printing, cutting, etc.)
play and leisure skills

When your child is an infant, your immediate concerns relate to his health and growth, development of the basic motor milestones, social interaction with you and others, interest in things going on around him, and early speech sounds and responses. At this stage, an OT may become involved to:

From First Eye Contact: Speech and Communication in Babies with Down Syndrome

Expectant and New Parent Packet

Ann Nobis, Speech-Language Pathologist

From first cry, to first look, to first smile, to first sound, to first thought, to first word, to first expressed idea, your baby will communicate with you and continue to grow with his or her communication skills throughout life. Your baby has been born with the innate ability to learn to communicate as all babies have been. Your baby's journey may be more challenging and take some different turns, but it is an adventure to travel on this road while you and your baby are learning the art of communication. Speech, language and communication development is a natural process for all children and it is a process that will happen for your baby too. It may take a little more time or it may happen in a way you just weren't expecting, but it will happen. It all began in utero when your baby heard your voice and it will continue on today and everyday hereafter.