Children with Down syndrome can do many of the things that normally developing children can do. Because of some of the characteristics associated with Down syndrome, learning these skills may take longer, with the rate of development varying significantly from child to child. If you're the parent of an infant with Down syndrome, intervention from a physical therapist and working on your child's movement at home can help him reach his full locomotor potential.
Physical Challenges
Down syndrome babies are born with physical differences that make motor development more difficult. Hypotonia, or poor muscle tone, means that babies with Down syndrome often don't have the same strength as their age-matched peers, making lifting and movement challenging. Down syndrome children also suffer from ligamentous laxity, meaning that their joints are more flexible than those of other children. This difference may also affect the progress of motor skill learning. Down Syndrome Education Online, a website maintained by Down Syndrome Education International, suggests that much more research is needed on the causes of motor development delays, saying that often-cited factors don't provide a complete explanation.
Locomotor Milestones
Although most Down syndrome children attain typical locomotor achievements, such as rolling, crawling and walking, a Cunningham and Sloper study cited by Down Syndrome Education online shows that babies with Down syndrome learn these skills later than other children. While the average baby rolls over at 5 months, a Down syndrome baby doesn't roll over until 8 months. While most babies stand unsupported at 11 months, the average Down syndrome child stands at 22 months. When it comes to walking unsupported, the average child can take three steps by 13 months. A Down syndrome child doesn't reach that same milestone until 24 months. Not all Down syndrome children develop more complex locomotor skills. At age 6, 67 percent of kids with Down syndrome can run, 77 percent can climb a step and 84 percent can make one jump forward.
Physical Movement and Cognitive Development
Locomotor movement isn't an isolated skill. Helping your Down syndrome child develop his movements also contributes to his general cognitive development and well-being. A child who can walk can explore and learn about the world more effectively. Kids who can walk around also have more opportunities for social development and interaction with peers. More complex motor skills, like running and jumping, allow your child to get more involved in extracurricular activities and join in playground games at school.
Importance of Therapy
Babies with Down syndrome sometimes use unconventional movements during locomotion as they adapt to their physical challenges. These unusual movement patterns can lead to stress on the body, pain and inefficient locomotion strategies long-term. Physical therapy ensures that your child develops movements that facilitate independence later in life. While working with your child at home, figure out what motivates him to encourage him to practice -- a favorite toy, for example. Treat therapy as a game, gradually lessening your support as your child learns to master different movements in the "game" on his own.
References
- National Down Syndrome Society; Gross Motor Development and Down Syndrome; Patricia C. Winders
- Down Syndrome Education Online; Motor Development for Individuals with Down Syndrome -- An Overview -- Introduction; Ben Sacks and Sue Buckley
- Down Syndrome Education Online; What Do We Know About The Development of Motor Skills in Children and Adults with Down Syndrome?; Ben Sacks and Sue Buckley
