Produced by Fife Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Service
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published
This leaflet has been produced after an initial review of the literature and where there is a lack of evidence, a consensus of expert opinion is agreed, correct at time of publication.
Motor Development
Children who have Down Syndrome (DS) are individuals and vary in personality, ability and health. They develop their skills in their own time, some slower and some faster than others. They have their own motor skills timetable.
Movement skills are delayed rather than different. A child with DS will master the basic gross motor skills of rolling, sitting, walking, running and riding a trike. Many will learn more complex skills such as swimming, dancing, cycling, riding and martial arts. Development of these skills generally takes a bit longer than a child without DS.
A child with DS will have challenges which can have an impact on the development of motor skills.
What are some of the challenges?
Hypotonia
Usually muscles are never fully relaxed. Muscles have a certain amount of tension and stiffness even when resting. This is called muscle tone. We rely on the tone in our muscles to maintain body positions and for movement.
Children with DS can present with lower muscle tone which can affect any muscle in the body - often referred to as Hypotonia. Muscles feel floppy. The degree of lower muscle tone varies from child to child.
Children with hypotonia may appear to have weaker muscles. Lots of practice and repetition of physical and functional activities will help to develop muscle strength and skills.
Hypermobility
Many children with DS can be thought of as ‘bendy’. Joints of the body can be very flexible and muscles stretchy. This can affect muscle strength and balance.
Medical Issues
Children with DS can have a number of related medical conditions including heart and respiratory problems which can result in poor stamina and fatigue making sustained physical activity difficult.
How can I help my child?
Find fun ways to play to encourage your child to move and play. Children with Down Syndrome require lots of repetition and practice of movement and activities through play. All active movement and physical activity will improve balance and strength.
Teach by modeling
Children with Down Syndrome learn best by watching others, imitating and copying actions. Don’t just tell your child what to do – show them!
For babies and toddlers developing early motor skills-encourage ‘tummy time’, lots of floor play and supported standing and walking.
Some children may benefit from wearing boots which support the feet and ankles, helping balance and stability when standing and walking.
All children benefit from regular exercise. Follow your child’s interests joining community clubs for sport and leisure or take part in physical activity as a family.
Not every child with Down Syndrome needs to be seen by a physiotherapist. If you are helping your child to be active and to practice motor skills then regular physiotherapy is not usually required.
For further information: www.down-syndrome.org
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
