​The goal of physical therapy for children with Down syndrome is to correct harmful movement patterns while increasing the child’s ability to function and move. Down syndrome characteristics may include developmental delays, poor posture, lax joints, scoliosis, and decreased muscle tone and strength.

Collaborating as a team, physical, occupational and speech therapists work to improve the child’s language, and fine and gross motor skills. Improved strength, balance, posture and walking skills will increase the child’s independence, breathing, feeding and ability to learn from their surroundings. Therapy encourages an active lifestyle now, to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Parents also benefit from therapy by learning how to reinforce new skills and learning at home.

Therapists will work with children with autism of all ages and onsets to facilitate development. Children with autism have a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills. Early diagnosis is essential to provide intervention needed for long-term improvement.

Individualized exercise programs may improve motor, behavior and psychosocial aspects to promote life long learning and independence. Physical therapy can improve a young child’s posture to facilitate positive affect and verbalization; gross motor skills, such as crawling, running, walking and jumping; and fine motor skills, such as grasping and reaching to develop social interaction skills. School-age therapy works to improve walking, limb coordination, sensory integration, social development and skills required for school.