Occupational therapy for children with Down syndrome

Building everyday independence

Occupational therapy helps children with Down syndrome develop the practical, hands-on skills that underpin independence and participation — using their hands, looking after themselves, playing, and managing daily routines. Lower muscle tone and other factors can make these skills take longer, and targeted, repeated practice in everyday contexts is what helps.

The focus areas:

• Fine-motor skills — grasp and manipulation for play, self-care, and writing
• Self-care — dressing, eating, and grooming, step by step
• Play — the engine of early learning and social connection
• Daily routines — building independence in real, everyday tasks

Parents make the difference

Skills build through repetition in everyday moments, so OT for children with Down syndrome leans on parent-coaching. We help you turn dressing, mealtimes, and play into skill-building opportunities across the whole week.

Coordinated with speech and your team

Most children also benefit from speech pathology for communication. Hey Sprout's single intake coordinates OT and speech into one plan, and we work alongside your child's wider team (including physiotherapy, which we don't provide).

NDIS funding

Down syndrome is a recognised disability under the NDIS; children usually access support through the early childhood approach. OT is funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. For families without NDIS funding, sessions are private-pay at the NDIS rate.