Intensive Therapy Programmes

 

The Down’s Syndrome Association recognises that every parent wishes to explore any treatment or therapy that they believe will help their child.  However, we recommend that parents think carefully about being invited to participate in programmes that involve great expense or a level of commitment that is detrimental to family life, given that the vast majority of children with Down’s syndrome acquire basic skills and more - and that they do so without such intervention. 

 

We also have some concern about specific intensive therapy programmes such as the Doman Delacato regime. It is important to recognise that these are programmes initially developed for children with brain injuries and not for children who have congenital conditions such as Down’s syndrome. 

 

We would, however, guide parents towards generally recognised support such as the early intervention programmes provided by local health authorities.  These provide, for example, a programme of physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, all activities proven to be of use in helping each person with Down’s syndrome to achieve their individual potential.