Down Syndrome: Other Treatment

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Other Treatment

A child with Down syndrome may need additional therapy, counseling, or training. Parents and other caregivers may also need assistance in planning a secure future for their family member with Down syndrome.

Different types of therapy, such as speech therapy, are used frequently to help people with Down syndrome learn essential skills and achieve as much independence as possible.

Families of children with Down syndrome may need other types of resources, such as:

• Financial assistance. Children with Down syndrome have special needs that may create additional expenses for the family. In the United States, some state and federal government services help cover the costs of certain programs. The amount your child receives depends on different factors such as your income and your child's level of disability. To find out about financial assistance in your state, call your state's Department of Developmental Disabilities.
• Estate planning. Become familiar with tax issues and estate planning to ensure that your child will have proper care and necessary resources available should you die. If you have other children who have developed normally, include them in planning for the future of your child with Down syndrome.
• Family counseling. This therapy involves regular sessions with a qualified counselor who has experience working with families who have children with Down syndrome.

There are several controversial treatments (including supplements, surgery, and medicine) for Down syndrome that either have not been proven helpful or have questionable benefit. Talk with your health professional before using these treatments.

Last updated:	August 09, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine, David Smith, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC