title: The role of the psychomotor therapist in the development of a child with Down syndrome
description: Comprehensive guide on the essential role of the psychomotor therapist for children with Down syndrome: therapeutic objectives, exercises, benefits, frequency of sessions, and collaboration with the family for harmonious development.
keywords: psychomotor therapist Down syndrome, psychomotricity child with Down syndrome, psychomotor rehabilitation Down syndrome, motor development Down syndrome, hypotonia Down syndrome, psychomotricity sessions
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Down syndrome, psychomotor therapist, psychomotricity, motor development, hypotonia, rehabilitation, coordination
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Reading time: 20 minutes
"My doctor recommended a psychomotor therapist, but what exactly do they do?" "What is the purpose of the sessions?" "My son is 2 years old, is it too early to start?" "How long does it take to see progress?" "Is psychomotricity really useful for Down syndrome?"
The psychomotor therapist is an essential health professional in supporting children with Down syndrome. Their role? To help the child develop their motor skills, better understand their body, improve their coordination, balance, and build a positive self-image through movement.
In the face of muscle hypotonia, coordination difficulties, and motor delays characteristic of Down syndrome, the psychomotor therapist offers playful and adapted exercises that promote harmonious development. But concretely, how do the sessions unfold? What are the expected benefits? How to collaborate effectively with this professional?
This guide explains everything about the role of the psychomotor therapist in the development of your child with Down syndrome.
Table of contents
1. What is a psychomotor therapist?
2. Why psychomotricity is essential for Down syndrome
What is a psychomotor therapist? {#definition}
Definition
The psychomotor therapist is a state-certified auxiliary medical health professional (DE in psychomotricity, 3 years of study).
Their field: The interaction between motor and psychic functions. They work on the link between body and mind.
Distinction from other professionals
Psychomotor therapist vs Physiotherapist:
- Physio: Functional rehabilitation (muscles, joints, after trauma)
- Psychomotor therapist: Global development (motor skills + cognition + emotion)
- Occupational therapist: Autonomy in daily activities (dressing, eating, writing)
- Psychomotor therapist: Development of psychomotor functions (tone, balance, coordination, body schema)
- Muscle tone
- Balance and coordination
- Body schema (knowledge of the body)
- Spatial and temporal orientation
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Lateralization
- Graphomotricity (preparation for writing)
- Emotional regulation through the body
- Self-confidence
Psychomotor therapist vs Occupational therapist:
Complementary, not competitors. A child with Down syndrome can benefit from all three.
Field of intervention
The psychomotor therapist works on:
Why psychomotricity is essential for Down syndrome {#pourquoi-essentiel}
The motor specificities of Down syndrome
Muscle hypotonia:
"Soft" muscles, lack of tone.
Consequences: Delay in motor acquisitions (holding head, sitting, walking), quick fatigue, slumped postures.
Ligament laxity:
Too flexible, hyper-extensible joints.
Consequences: Instability, risk of injuries, balance difficulties.
Motor delays:
Walking around 2-3 years (vs 12-15 months), coordination difficulties.
Fine motor difficulties:
Manipulating small objects, writing, buttoning.
Body schema disorders:
Difficulty knowing their body, its limits, its position in space.
How psychomotricity helps
Strengthening muscle tone: Progressive exercises to "wake up" the muscles.
Improving balance and coordination: Obstacle courses, balance games.
Developing body schema: Awareness of their body, its parts.
Stimulating fine motor skills: Manipulation, finger games.
Promoting autonomy: Through motor progress (dressing, eating alone).
Building self-confidence: "I can move, jump, climb. I am capable!"
Emotional regulation: Soothing tensions through movement, breathing.
Therapeutic Goals {#objectifs}
General Goals
1. Improve muscle tone
2. Develop motor skills (gross and fine)
3. Enhance balance and coordination
4. Build body awareness
5. Promote autonomy
6. Improve self-confidence
Goals by Age
Infant (0-2 years):
Early Childhood (2-6 years):
Childhood (6-12 years):
Adolescence and Adulthood:
Individualized Goals
Every child is unique. The psychomotor therapist establishes a personalized therapeutic project after the initial assessment.
Examples of specific goals:
Session Progression {#deroulement}
The Initial Psychomotor Assessment
First Step: Comprehensive evaluation (1-2 sessions).
The psychomotor therapist evaluates:
Tools: Standardized tests, observations, object manipulation, motor pathways.
Result: A report with strengths, difficulties, and therapeutic goals.
Shared with parents, the doctor, and other professionals (with parental consent).
Weekly Sessions
Duration: 30-45 minutes (depending on the child's age and attention).
Frequency: Generally once a week (sometimes twice if intense need).
Location: Private practice, hospital, medico-psychological center, sometimes at home.
Typical Session Progression
1. Welcome (5 min):
Beginning ritual (song, calm game), building trust.
2. Warm-up (5 min):
Gentle movements, stretching, breathing.
3. Targeted Activities (20-30 min):
Exercises according to goals.
Examples of activities:
For tone:
For balance:
For coordination:
For fine motor skills:
For body awareness:
4. Calm Down (5 min):
Relaxation, breathing, gentle massage, story.
5. Discussion with the Parent:
Brief discussion about the session, tips for home.
Playful Approach
Sessions are always playful.
The child plays, has fun, they do not realize they are "working".
Varied materials: Balls, hoops, tunnels, mats, beams, sensory games, musical instruments, dolls, etc.
Adaptation to the child's level and interests.
Collaboration between Psychomotor Therapist and Family {#collaboration}
Regular Communication
The psychomotor therapist shares:
Communication notebook or exchanges via email/phone.
Exercises at Home
The psychomotor therapist can suggest simple exercises to do daily (5-10 min).
Examples:
Daily repetition = anchoring progress.
Daily Tips
Environment Setup:
Encouragement:
Value efforts, small progress.
Beneficial Activities:
Coordination with Other Professionals
The psychomotor therapist works in a network: speech therapist, occupational therapist, teacher, doctor.
Coordination meetings (ESS at school, meetings in CAMSP/SESSAD).
Consistency in care = better results.
When to Start and How Often? {#when-frequency}
When to Start?
As early as possible.
From the first months if significant hypotonia.
Often, follow-up starts at 6 months to 1 year.
Why early?
Never too late: even in adolescence or adulthood, progress is possible.
How Often?
Standard: 1 session per week.
If intense need (significant delays): 2 sessions per week.
If maintaining achievements (teen/adult): 1 session every 2 weeks or once a month.
Duration of Follow-up
Variable according to needs.
Often, several years (throughout childhood).
Regular reevaluation (every 6 months to 1 year): assess, adjust goals.
Possibility of stopping if goals are achieved and sufficient autonomy.
Possible resumption if new difficulties arise (e.g., adolescence, preparing for a sport).
Reimbursement
In private practice:
In institutions (CAMSP, SESSAD, hospital):
Possible assistance: PCH (Disability Compensation Benefit) can fund private sessions if need is recognized (MDPH application).
Expected Benefits
Motor Progress
Cognitive Progress
Emotional and Social Progress
Independence
Parent Testimonials
"Thanks to psychomotricity, my son walked at 2 and a half years old. Now at 5, he runs, jumps, rides a bike. I didn't believe it at first."
"The sessions have really improved his balance. He falls much less, he is more confident."
"She loves the sessions. For her, it's play. But I see the progress in fine motor skills, she can now cut and string beads."
Conclusion: An Indispensable Ally
The psychomotor therapist is a key professional in supporting children with Down syndrome. Through playful, tailored, and regular sessions, they help the child develop motor skills, better understand their body, gain independence and confidence. The benefits are real, measurable, and positively impact daily life.
The keys to successful care:
1. Start early (as soon as possible)
2. Regularity (1 session per week)
3. Collaboration between family and psychomotor therapist (exercises at home, communication)
4. Coordination with other professionals
5. Patience and valuing progress
If you haven't done so yet, consult a psychomotor therapist. Your child will benefit in the long term. Their body is their tool to explore the world, to learn, to grow. Help them tame it, strengthen it, and make it their ally.
DYNSEO Resources to Complement Psychomotricity:
The body in motion is the brain awake. Provide your child with the support of a psychomotor therapist. Their progress will amaze you.
