therapy for child with autism and down syndrome

[wullie]

Hello everyone,

I am currently working with a 12 year old girl who has severe autism and down syndrome.
She used to sit in a high chair for most of the day and had a wheelchair.She couldn't walk very far on her own and wasn't able to walk up/down stairs at all. We managed to improve her gait and she is now walking independently with a relative small B.o.S. She still has the wheelchair in the home she lives but we're trying to phase that out.
I was wondering if any one else has a similar case and we could share different therapy approaches as I am looking for new/ different aproaches.

Thanks,
wullie

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[estherderu]

Hi wullie,

I cannot really help you I'm afraid. Most children with Down syndrome that I have come across are open and have good communication skills.

Only once did I treat a little 4yr girl who was different. She had a very low cognitive level and no contact was possible.

hope someone can help

esther

[wullie]

Thanks Esther,

at the moment I go to the Softplay with her and try to direct her to equipment that will improve her general development, co ordination,narrow her B.o.S. and encourages to cross midline,etc. We need a long time for this but she responds well and has improved/ her compensation techniques have reduced.

But I'm struggeling with her walking. It's not so much that she doesn't walk,it's more that she stops to clap and tap on items on the way or wants people to clap and sing with her and if they don't she stops or drops to the floor.This has a knock on effect on her stamina and I was hoping for some ideas...anything is welcome.

[estherderu]

Hi Wullie,

How about trying to use these little standing and clapping breaks as a therapeutic possibility.

How about...
trying to get her to klap on her knees.. or stamp with her feet in conjunction with her clapping...
or... swaying with her bodyweight during the clapping...
or... lifting her legs (kicking?) during clapping.
... maybe even putting music on and using steps to get her to clap and stand on a step at the same time...
... try dancing with her...instead of walking...

Try to turn what she wants to do (which could be because of stamina problems and her wanting to get her breath back and yes I certainly recognise this type of behaviour) into something therapeutic.

I wish you both well

Esther