Pediatric Therapy for Down Syndrome
in Charlotte & Huntersville, NC
Empowering Your Child’s Independence and Growth
If your child has been diagnosed with Down syndrome, you already know how much love, determination, and joy they bring to your family. You also know that each stage of growth comes with its own challenges, from building muscle strength to developing communication and social skills.
At Little Wonders Pediatric Therapy, we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way. Our therapists provide compassionate, play-based care designed to help children with Down syndrome build the skills they need to thrive in all areas of life.
Let’s take a closer look at what Down syndrome is, how it can affect development, and how pediatric therapy can help your child reach their fullest potential.
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is a genetic condition that develops before birth when a baby receives an extra copy of a specific chromosome. This extra genetic material can affect their physical growth, muscle tone, learning, and overall development.
Children with Down syndrome often have unique strengths and learning styles. With the right combination of therapies, they can continue to build their skills for greater independence of movement, self-care, play, and social connection.
Common Characteristics of Down Syndrome
While every child is different, children with Down syndrome often share some common characteristics, including:
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Delays in sitting, crawling, walking, or running
- Differences in speech or language development
- Shorter attention spans or difficulty focusing
- Challenges with fine motor coordination (like writing or buttoning clothes)
- Difficulty with balance and overall strength
- Feeding or swallowing challenges
- Social or sensory differences
What Causes Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 and is not related to anything parents did or did not do. It occurs naturally and is one of the most common chromosomal conditions in the United States.
While the condition itself cannot be changed, early and consistent intervention through pediatric therapy can make a major difference in how your child develops, learns, and connects with the world.
How Pediatric Therapy Can Help Children with Down Syndrome
At Little Wonders Pediatric Therapy, we take a team approach to help children with Down syndrome reach their milestones. Our occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapists collaborate to create individualized plans that address each child’s unique strengths and challenges.
Depending on your child’s specific needs, their therapy plan may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength, balance, posture, and mobility
- Occupational therapy to enhance fine motor skills, self-care, and independence
- Speech therapy to support communication, language development, and feeding skills
- Play-based interventions to encourage social interaction, attention, and learning
- Family education to provide strategies you can use at home for continued progress
Through compassionate, play-based care, we help children gain the skills they need to participate fully and independently in everyday life.
Schedule an Evaluation Today
At Little Wonders Pediatric Therapy, we believe every child has incredible potential waiting to be unlocked. Our experienced and caring team is here to help your child build the foundation they need for lifelong success.
Call us today at (704) 752-1616 to schedule an evaluation at our Charlotte or Huntersville clinics. We’ll partner with you every step of the way; and together, we’ll make wonders happen!