Development is the progression of skills in a variety of areas - including motor skills, speech and language, memory, social skills and behaviour. 'Developmental Milestones' refers to a particular order of acquisition for certain skills and an estimated age at which they will be demonstrated.

Does Down Syndrome Affect Development?

Most children with Down syndrome have a developmental delay. What this means, in most cases, is that developmental milestones will be reached in the same order as typically developing children however often at a later time.

A developmental milestone chart for children with Down syndrome can be found here. The chart provides average ages for skill acquisition and also the range which demonstrates very clearly that development for children with Down syndrome can vary dramatically between individuals.

What can be done to support development?

- Have expectations. By having expectations that a child will be able to do something, though it may take longer, you are setting the child up for success.

- Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and/or Physiotherapy are often recommended for children with developmental delays. For children with disabilities from birth to 6 year, this can be accessed in Queensland free of charge through Family and Early Childhood Services (FECS) - a service provided by the Department of Communities. You can find more information about the services provided by the Department of Communities here.

Useful links and websites