HOT TOPIC: Beyond Early Intervention: A Pivot to Lifespan Participation for Children with Down Syndrome in Pediatric OT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Course Description

Nationwide Children’s Hospital hosts a variety of specialty clinics to provide comprehensive team support to children in the community. The Down Syndrome Clinic is a family centered clinic providing diagnostic and treatment services to children and their families. Historically, the clinic focused on early intervention, with the role of the occupational therapy practitioner being to assess children from birth to three years of age then make recommendations for what supports from which they might benefit. The clinic expanded in 2025 to support patients with a wider age range of 0-21 years. As children with Down syndrome age, families share their desire for their children to participate and be included in society (Garrels & Sigstad, 2023). As the age range that the clinic serves has expanded, this has required a shift in practitioners to reconsider what meaningful progress and participation looks like across the lifespan. 

This session will explain the mindset shifts that took place in one occupational therapy practitioner that resulted in a cascade of systemic impacts including adjustments to recommendations, re-examining caregiver role, and involving patients in goal setting. Participants will briefly review evidence showing that some individuals with Down syndrome achieve milestones and self-help skills later than typical peers (Ashton & Wentz, 2022) and to balance this understanding of milestone acquisition with supporting functional participation in daily routines. Participants will reflect on how to balance patient autonomy while still helping families feel supported. Practitioners who attend this session will build confidence in how to focus on function when making recommendations and gain resources related to evidence-based practices for transition aged patients (Carroll et al., 2025) (Rodrigues de Sousa Junior et al., 2026).

Speakers

Content Level

Introductory: This level assumes the audience has little or no information regarding the content area. This level assumes the audience has little or no information regarding the content area.

Practice Areas

Children and Youth