Sensory Integration and Down's Syndrome

Abstract

An examination of the relationship between the neurophysiological and motor characteristics of children with Down's syndrome and the assumptions of sensory integrative vestibular stimulation is discussed. From this analysis, apparent inconsistencies are emphasised. If occupational therapy is to develop further as a profession, treatment practices must be well understood in terms of their theoretical base and empirical evidence of effectiveness. An understanding of theoretical differences between different models of practice (for example, sensory integration vs sensory stimulation) is of vital importance. This article hopes to contribute to the development of an understanding of treatment of children with Down's syndrome.