Intervention Strategies

Question 1

What intervention strategies can be used in the management of a child with Down Syndrome?

Answer 1

• Family education
• Carrying, handling and positioning to promote development of motor skills and postural control
• Guided movement and use of transitional positions and rotational movements to improve muscle strength and co-ordination of flexors and extensors.
• Environment/equipment to promote practice of skills
• Treadmill walking

Question 2

What intervention strategies can be used in the management of a child with developmental delay?

Answer 2

• Family education
• Specific motor training programs, (eg treadmill) and general developmental programs (promoting active movement) have a positive effect on motor development
• Opportunities for motor learning during daily activities and routines i.e carrying

Question 3

What are the key points for positioning in the management of a child with developmental delay?

Answer 3

• Position with muscle in a shortened position for improved strength and ability to work against gravity.
• Position with muscle in a lengthened position for stretching of muscle and promoting growth in an optimal position.
• Midline orientation for strengthening of flexors and extensors on both left and right
• Asymmetrical positions (e.g. sidelying) for continual use of trunk muscles with controlled extension/flexion for postural control.

Question 4

What are the five levels of the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS)?

Answer 4

\+2	Much more than expected
\+1	Somewhat more than expected
  0 	Expected level of outcome
 -1	Somewhat less than expected
 -2	Much less than expected