Down Syndrome: Occupational Therapy Demonstration

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome. A common trait among those diagnosed with Down Syndrome is low muscle tone.

An area of focus in occupational therapy is the child's ability to master skills for independence. These can include:self care skills (feeding, dressing, grooming, etc.); fine and gross motor skills; skills related to school performance (eg: printing, cutting, etc.); play and leisure skills and more.

Learn more about Lurie Children's Occupational Therapy program and treatment options:

[happytaffy]

My brother with Down’s syndrome is my favourite person ever, the only person who gives me a hug every day and I can never be mad at him, he has a life span of 60 years tho like every other person with Down’s syndrome, he’s 15 rn (already a 1/4 gone!) I don’t know how I could live without him he’s my best friend! It’s so hard to know how he will cope if my parents leave before him 😢 but also if he leaves before us we will all be heartbroken! I’m living in the moment now tho I don’t want any regrets like I didn’t get to spend enough time even tho I will probably always think that if god takes him before me 😞 he is an angel 😇

[averagemanful]

You interact with that child like he is your own, I am so glad that you chose to do what you do. Those children are very lucky to have you.

[hrachyakhumalyan]

God bless each person who can take such care of children.
The only thing that we should do is to love them and spend as much time as we can.
They are wonders.

[franceswalker]

Awww, that interaction between OT and boy was so sweet!

[peacefuldeath]

I help give occupational therapy to my godchild while she's under my care. I teach her to put her clothes on and off and ask her to do it herself (i helpher if she gets stuck), show her to wash her hands and brush her teeth, and watch her when shes eating. She now knows how to blow on hot food and to use basic utensils for eating, and also knows how to scrub herself in the shower. She is almost four.

Be patient! Some children will get fussy when learning because they are used to you doing things for them and try to make it easier for them by getting you to do things for them. I recommend encouragement and ever so slight firmness, if it doesnt work you still help them out and show them by using their own hands. Remember they get frustrated along the way because they have a hard time communicating their feelings to you. Be gentle, kind, and fun, but also let them know they can do things all on their own as well and always cheer them on when they make progress. They are used to routine so progress is gradual.

From my experiences I learned that two to three minute activities are best for them.

[Doublebboy]

I just got accepted into a very competitive ota program and i am so ecstatic for this to be my everyday treat just being able to see the good it does for people is so heart warming and i cant wait

[MAGNUM]

People can be so evil. We should all be helping those with disabilities, because it's the right thing to do. But instead, they just want to throw insults and make fun of those with disabilities. Well, it's wrong in so many levels. It's selfish, immature, childish, disgraceful and pure evil. Nobody with a disability should be treated poorly. They should be treated with love and respect! Everyone with disabilities deserve better!

[ellegee]

My heart has melted! Thank you for the educational video!

[theoneandonlymem]

I was once friends with a girl with down syndrome, and I prayed to the Holy Spirit to help her thrive with DS.

[raulpartida]

Awesome video Emily. Thank you for everything you do for the kids.

[mattboselli]

This makesme so happy. Inclusion. Not just sitting at home and not doung any thing. Makes me cry

[peterfslife]

My brother is 27 years old, and he's got Down Syndrome. He's a train wreck. He throws things, he screams, he destroys stuff, he urinates on himself, He's just so evil! He had all these therapies years ago, and It didn't do anything for him. He can't speak correctly, and He's really a MESS!

[juliar]

Great, very interesting, clear and helpful! Thank you!

[SecretsofancientEgypt]

It would have been nice to be able to buy some of the tools used in this video, the site they refer to where one should be able to buy these tools does not have anything for sale 🤔 I can’t find any of these tools in my country (Denmark) 😞 But good to know just sad that I can’t find the items to buy...

[laureneberle]

This was so helpful for an OT student to see. Thank you!

[Pepperoni-and-cringe]

I don’t know anything about Down syndrome but my newborn son has me curious what he’ll be like as he gets older. Sometimes I worry but tonight he’s sleeping so peacefully next to me. He’s like a little teddy bear that’s so little and cuddly.

[alanbourbeau]

I have a friend of mine who has Down syndrome and I’ve known him since elementary school. He and I had a learning disability but at least he and I didn’t put each other down.

[StrokemasterSteiner]

Wow i had no idea of the level of thought that was put into helping children with these conditions. I feel ashamed not understanding how important and how much knowledge these people that work with these kids have.

[shaunwalker]

I thank the GOOD LORD 🙏 for opening the door for me, I'm a retired Home Health Aide some of my patients got help and some didn't I'm a certified aide but the training I got let me help my patients to get the support they needed and my training help them out but I did alot of encouragement so they can feel good about themselves, my son is autistic he does all his ADL'S I don't do anything I cook but he heats his lunch in the microwave. I thank the GOOD LORD everyday 🙏 for my training and calling to be a Home Health Aide and the nurses, Doctor's and therapists that train me. I enjoy being a Home Health Aide, One on One.

[ramarao]

Prasthana Sadhana helps in improving the child's abilities, I think.