Pediatric Down Syndrome Therapy in Durham & Chapel Hill
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome 21, resulting in mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, development delays, and distinct physical features.
Pediatric Down Syndrome Signs & Symptoms
Physical signs
- A flat nose bridge.
- Slanted eyes that point upward.
- A short neck.
- Small ears, hands and feet.
- Small pinky finger that points inward towards the thumb.
- One crease in the palm of their hand (palmar crease).
- Shorter-than-average height.
- Cognitive: Mild to moderate intellectual disability.
- Developmental: Delays in reaching milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking.
- Behavioral: Possible impulsivity, short attention span, and stubbornness.
How Therapy Smarts Supports Children with Down Syndrome
While a diagnosis of Down Syndrome comes with unique challenges, it also comes with incredible potential. At Therapy Smarts, our multidisciplinary team in Durham and Chapel Hill works together to create a customized “roadmap” that helps your child hit their milestones and gain independence.
Building Strength and Mobility (Physical Therapy)
Many children with Down Syndrome experience hypotonia (low muscle tone) and ligament laxity. Our Pediatric Physical Therapists focus on:
Strengthening core muscles to support sitting, crawling, and walking.
Improving balance and coordination to help with playground play and sports.
Providing orthotic recommendations to ensure proper joint alignment as your child grows.
Enhancing Communication and Feeding (Speech Therapy)
Communication is the bridge to connection. Because children with Down Syndrome often face challenges with speech clarity or language delays, our Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) provide:
Oral Motor Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the tongue and jaw for clearer speech.
Total Communication Support: Using signs, gestures, or AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) to reduce frustration while verbal speech develops.
Feeding Therapy: Specialized support for chewing and swallowing safety, ensuring your child gets the nutrition they need to thrive.
Developing Independence and Fine Motor Skills (Occupational Therapy)
Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on “the job of being a kid.” We help children master the daily skills they need for home and school, including:
Fine Motor Coordination: Strengthening small hand muscles for writing, using scissors, or buttoning clothes.
Self-Care Skills: Practical training for feeding themselves, dressing, and grooming.
Sensory Integration: Helping children process information from their environment so they can stay focused and calm in the classroom.
Social and Behavioral Growth (ABA Therapy & Mental Health Support)
For children who need extra support with social cues or behavioral regulation, our ABA and Mental Health teams offer a supportive environment to:
Build positive social interactions with peers.
Increase attention span and classroom readiness.
Support emotional regulation and confidence-building.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.
Ready to Help Your Child Reach Their Full Potential?
At Therapy Smarts, we don’t believe in a “wait and see” approach. We believe in early, expert intervention that gives your child the tools they need to thrive. Whether you are looking for specialized Down Syndrome support or a comprehensive developmental evaluation, our award-winning team in Durham and Chapel Hill is ready to partner with your family.
Two Easy Ways to Begin:
Contact Us Directly: Ready to schedule? Call us at 919-378-1340.
Fill out our Online Inquiry Form to speak with a member of our intake team.
Don’t navigate this journey alone—let’s unlock your child’s possibilities together
