Skip to main content

Down's Syndrome and other syndromes

A young boy with Down

What is Down’s syndrome?

Down's syndrome is caused by the presence of an additional 21st chromosome which causes abnormalities in physical and cognitive development. Around one in every 1000 babies born in the UK will have Down's syndrome. There are 60,000 people in the UK with the condition.

 For more information - www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/

How can physiotherapy help?

  • A child with Down’s syndrome will often feel floppy.  Physiotherapy can help the child improve muscle strength, posture and balance.
  • Promoting achievement of gross motor skills such as sitting, crawling and standing.
  • Improve independence in functional activities.
  • Improve quality of life and confidence
  • Reduce the risk of secondary joint problems in later life as a result of lax ligaments and muscle weakness.

Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.

We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.