01 Mar 😬Does your child with Down Syndrome throw tantrums whenever they find an activity challenging 😬Finding that therapies are not effective because your child👦 keeps throwing tantrums to avoid tasks

Often little ones with Down syndrome have low muscle tone which make learning to move challenging for them and they will protest or throw a tantrum to avoid the activity. However, the key to overcoming the behavioural tantrums is in setting clear boundaries and goals for a child so that they are able to learn new skills to improve their gross motor skills.

At My Favourite Physio, we met Miss G who is 3 years old and has Down Syndrome. Miss G is walking independently, but she often trips and falls because of her low muscle tone. She is able to say 1-2 word phrases but often communicates non verbally. She has many behavioural tantrums when she does not get what she wants. Her parents came to physiotherapy because they wanted to help her learn to walk and run without tripping and falling. Our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists assessed her gross motor skills, walking pattern and muscle strength. We determined that she would benefit from Harnessed Treadmill Walking to strengthen her core muscles and leg muscles. While on the Harnessed Treadmill, our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapist also worked on her communication skills, encouraging eye contact and requesting.

Within 2 sessions, Miss G went from throwing a tantrum on the Harnessed Treadmill to running in to have her harnessed put on and getting onto the Treadmill to walk. She would request for songs on the iPad with prompting, and soon was chatting in 5-6 word phrases as she walked on the Harnessed Treadmill. Over the weeks, her improved behaviour and compliance led to improved gross motor skills, balancing on the Bosu Ball, riding a stationary bike and jumping on the trampoline. Her parents reported less tantrums at home and at childcare.

So if you are concerned about your child with Down Syndrome not learning new skills because of their tantrums, reach out to My Favourite Physio on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio to speak to one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists today.