A few weeks ago, I told all about the early intervention programs that Molly attends on a weekly basis.  I look forward to Wednesdays, just because I know it’s therapy day. (However, I don’t like having to wake up early!)  I love watching Molly learn, progress and having fun!

Today, I thought it might be helpful to share some information from The National Down Syndrome Society that offers more specifics on early interventions.

• Early intervention is a systematic program of therapy, exercises and activities designed to address developmental delays that may be experienced by children with Down syndrome or other disabilities.

• In monitoring the development of a child with Down syndrome, it is more useful to look at the sequence of milestones achieved, rather than the age at which the milestone is reached.

• Occupational therapy helps children develop and master skills for independence. Occupational therapy can help with abilities such as opening and closing things, picking up and releasing toys of various sizes and shapes, stacking and building, manipulating knobs and buttons, experimenting with crayons etc.

• Even though babies with Down syndrome may not say first words until 2 or 3 years of age, there are many pre-speech and pre-language skills that must be acquired first. These include the ability to imitate and echo sounds; turn taking skills

• The goal of early intervention programs is to enhance and accelerate development by building on a child’s strengths and by strengthening those areas that are weaker, in all areas of development.

Okay…so enough about us!  What questions do you have about Molly’s early intervention programs? While I’m definitely not an expert in this area, I enjoy the conversation that typically develops in the comments section!

Want to read past “Things to Know About Down Syndrome” series?  Check out my past articles More Things to Know About Down Syndrome and Things to Know About Down Syndrome and Things To Know About Down Syndrome – Physical Traits.