Down Syndrome Program

Akron Children's Hospital specialists provide the full range of medical and developmental care for infants, children and teens with Down syndrome. Our goal is to maximize your child’s development by managing medical issues, connecting you with community resources, and teaching you how to advocate for your child.

Our approach.

Down syndrome shows up in a variety of ways, and our team specializes in identifying and treating issues that are more common in kids with this condition. These include issues with growth and nutrition, vision and hearing, gastrointestinal (e.g., constipation, food allergies, acid reflux, etc.), thyroid function, heart, muscle tone, and sleep.

Our program includes specialists in:

• Developmental and behavioral pediatrics
• Physical therapy (to maintain and enhance strength, mobility, balance, tone and coordination)
• Occupational therapy (to maintain and enhance strength, posture, fine and visual motor skills, reflexes and sensory processing abilities)
• Speech therapy and hearing services
• Nutritional services (including assessments and nutritional care plans for children with special diets or feeding problems)
• Social work/service coordination (to help you access appropriate hospital and community resources)

We also work closely with your child, family and primary care doctor, as well as other specialists in cardiology, genetics, adolescent medicine, psychology, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and ENT. This approach ensures your child receives the best possible care to meet his or her unique developmental and functional goals.

Our philosophy of care.

We believe that early intervention is the key to successful development and that appropriate interventions throughout childhood and adolescence will lead to greater achievement in individuals with Down syndrome.

While families play an integral role in supporting their children in making developmental strides, our knowledge and expertise will help provide the necessary foundation.