- Early Intervention
- Speech
- Gross Motor Skills
- Fine Motor Skills
- Cognitive Development
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Physical Therapy
The Gross Motor Skills issue in our opinion is the therapeutically best covered field in Germany. Elias already got PT once a week at the age of 4 months.He belonged to the few children that really liked Vojta.When he was 9 months, however, he started to dislike it.In this unquiet phase we then tried Bobath (which caused the same resistance!) and we came to this result: Elias' motivation and learning is more important for us than accomplish a program against his will! In his upcoming life it will be decisive for him if he likes to learn or not, and we donīt want to ruin that.But that didnīt mean: No more PT. But he did do less practice - and it really got better again.Besides we concentrated, in agreement with the physio therapist, on the areas Elias was most interested in. That is, when he prefered standing from crawling we supported it.And he still learned to crawl!Considering the method, I would suggest all parents to aim at the childīs needs.At the moment we do gymnastics from Vojta and Castillo Morales but it's just because we all, the physio therapist and us, get along with that best. I donīt believe that the later gross motor skills of our children will depend on the method.
As literature recomendation at home we would like to recommend an American book agian because it provides with really good hints for practice.
| Patricia C. Winders, Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome, A Guide for Parents and Professionals, Woodbine House 1997 |  |
As we appreciate the service of Amazon very much we have made a link to the corresponding page that you can view and order the book there. There also is a detailed summary and 2 reviews. |
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Baby Massage |
We were lucky that in our hospital nearby a baby message course was offered. During his whole first year Elias has enjoyed my daily messages. They surely also have helped him to like his daily session of PT practise because I always began it with massage. While I concentrated on the massage of the whole body, Michael massaged Elias' feet and still does that often. DS or not - itīs very good for relaxing, Elias often fell asleep thereby!
Songs for moving
Music always contributed making PT practise agreeable and even partly accompanied the messages. Some of the protest was over when a children's song was sung. The newest practice for walking: "Laurentia, dear Laurentia mine" - then the standing up and sitting down is much easier!
