Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by growth retardation and mental retardation,
It is a genetic anomaly that negatively affects the lives of individuals.
Having 47 chromosomes instead of 46 chromosomes that should normally be present in humans and
This situation is accompanied by obvious physical features.
Although the findings in DS vary according to individuals,
usually physical development, motor development, sensory development, cognitive development,
they show delays in language development and social development.
Small, short and lower lips, open mouth, protruding and cleft tongue,
dome finger, short neck, nodded nape view, flattened nasal root,
a wide gap between the big toe and the second toe,
It has distinctive features such as hypotonia (low muscle tone) and inward curved little finger.
Many orthopedic problems are seen due to hypotonia and ligament laxity.
In DS rehabilitation; pronounced hypotonia in the newborn,
Since fine and gross motor development is negatively affected, DS children should be included in the physiotherapy program from the first weeks.
Because the first 3 years of the baby are very important in terms of neurological development and development and learning occur very quickly during this period.
Early physiotherapy; proper positioning, correct grip techniques, object tracking,
midline orientation, hand-eye coordination, postural control, and family training.
Gaining gross and fine motor movements, quality of movements and walking, balance,
It is very important to gain correction and protective reactions.
In addition to these, tunny time, neurodevelopmental therapy, sensory integration therapy,
perceptual motor therapy, hippotherapy are methods used in rehabilitation.
Physiotherapist Sinem Biber
