Therapies

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a far reaching therapy which focuses on improving independence in all aspects of life from pencil skills and tying shoe laces to employment and independent living skills. Many people with Down’s syndrome also experience something called sensory processing/integration disorder.

OT can make a huge contribution and should always be included within the EHCP but you may have to push for this provision. Sadly, many families feel they have no choice but to pay for private OT assessments and support due to waiting times and poor access to OT on the NHS. There are some good specialist providers including PACE, LEAP Children’s Therapy and Sensory Smart Child but please be aware that costs are considerable.

https://www.rcot.co.uk/about-occupational-therapy/what-is-occupational-therapy

Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) focuses on all aspects of communication and social development as well as eating, drinking and swallowing. Individuals with Down’s syndrome may have mild to complex and severe speech and language difficulties and SaLT is almost always needed to support more effective communication.

https://www.rcslt.org/speech-and-language-therapy/

Again, access to speech and language therapy for our children and young people on the NHS has been challenging and something that has worsened over the years. We are fortunate to have Sparkles for pre-school children. Symbol UK is a specialist private provider that offers high quality services to children and young people with Down’s syndrome. Symbol UK charges professional fees for services.

Physiotherapy works to improve or restore movement and function in the body. From early skills such as head control and sitting, to running and climbing stairs, physio is an important therapy for those with Down’s syndrome.

https://www.csp.org.uk/careers-jobs/what-physiotherapy

There is strong evidence that early intervention works best to help develop communication, cognitive (thinking and understanding), social and physical skills.

It can be a challenge to get the right level and type of therapy provision on the EHCP but it is worth fighting for. Please visit our EHCP page https://sbdsg.org.uk/resources-support/ehcp/  for further information and support.

As well as the NHS, Social Care services and Sparkles there are a range of private therapy providers in the area. However private therapy is costly, and this can mean there is discrimination of access for those with Down’s syndrome.

The following organisations are ones we know have offered high quality support.