What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome results from the presence of an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are basically tightly wound spools of DNA—the molecule that guides human development. Due to this extra chromosome, people with Down syndrome develop differently. If your child has Down syndrome, they may be having difficulty meeting developmental milestones. They may also experience difficulty with moving, speaking, learning, and playing. When you come to us for Down syndrome therapy in Kansas City, we provide early intervention to help your child navigate these challenges. We also help your child nurture their strengths, which can include playfulness, empathy, and strong visual awareness.

What therapies will my child receive?

Your child is unique, and we will tailor our treatment plan and therapy services to meet their needs and strengths precisely. We’ve seen amazing outcomes for children with Down syndrome when we combine multiple therapy services, such as: Pediatric Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists help your child develop the motor skills needed for navigating daily life. These therapies can help your child develop and tone their muscles to address difficulty walking and adjust posture, among other concerns. Physical therapy can set your child up for healthy development and avoiding injury as they get older. Pediatric Speech Therapy: By working with our speech therapists, your child develops their ability to pronounce words and communicate effectively. We practice these skills with your child and also help you understand your child’s unique way of learning language. When you visit us for Down syndrome therapy in Kansas City, we personalize care to your child’s individual speech needs. Pediatric Occupational Therapy: If your child has difficulty with daily tasks and interactions, occupational therapy can help. Our therapists can help with developing fine motor skills, visual coordination, and regulating emotions. They can also address more specific challenges, like feeding . Occupational therapy is an important step in helping your child achieve greater independence and stability in their daily life.

Down Syndrome Therapy in Kansas City

Creating a Bright Future for Your Child

Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition in the United States, but no two children with Down syndrome are the same. Your child possesses a beautiful, unique set of strengths—like empathy, strong visual awareness, and playfulness. We offer play-based, multi-disciplinary therapy to help them cultivate their strengths and confidence, while helping them navigate unique challenges, such as:

Emotional regulation
Sensory processing difficulties
Visual impairments
Developmental delays
Feeding difficulties
Low muscle tone and strength
Independence with age-appropriate activities of daily living

The Playabilities Process

Request Evaluation

Once you’re ready to explore Down syndrome therapy in Kansas City at Playabilities, simply complete our online evaluation request form. We will take care of insurance and paperwork hassles. No need to worry about getting a script for therapy from the doctor, obtaining an authorization, or verifying coverage with insurance. Rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

Evaluation

Our team begins the journey with a thorough clinical evaluation of your child’s needs. Next, your therapist identifies the right therapeutic approach and provides the entire family with education and strategies. Your therapist recommends the best treatment plan for your child based on the therapy goals they’ve established with you.

Treatment

No two children are the same. Your team of therapists develops a personalized, play-based approach that builds your child’s confidence and strengths, improving their quality of life. At the same time, we provide your family with additional training and help you develop your support network—we even encourage parents to join therapy sessions!

Transition

Through collaboration, we ensure that your child meets their goals and graduates from Playabilities. If necessary, we suggest additional services or programs that will provide continuity of support. Our goal is to give your family everything you need to thrive beyond Playabilities.

Your Child Deserves
the Best Care

We understand your child’s unique needs and we’re dedicated to providing them with individualized therapy. Request an evaluation to get started at Playabilities!

Request Evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

Get to Know Us!

We love what we do. Meet the team that’s dedicated to providing the best possible treatment and care for our clients every step of the way.

Meet the Team Locations

Playabilities Resources

Your go-to spot for tips, tools, and strategies.

We’ve done a lot of research, read a lot of books, and discovered helpful organizations over the years. These resources can make a difference in your journey—which is why we’ve gathered them in one place.

View All Resources Online Course

What Families Are Saying…

My son has been seeing his OT for almost a year now and has made incredible improvement. She connected us with a Speech Therapist as well and could not be happier with…

Tiffany

My son has been seeing his OT for almost a year now and has made incredible improvement. She connected us with a Speech Therapist as well and could not be happier with both of them. He goes 5 days a week and I feel they love him just like he is family. He is always excited to see them and happy (and tired) when he has finished his sessions. In just a year my son has gone from ZERO words (age 2) to repeating everything and answering questions on his own! He has learned to jump, use a straw, is MUCH better at self regulating and relaying his needs, and so much more! Everyone in this clinic has been wonderful and they truly focus on a positive and fun experience while getting the children the sensory input they need and expanding their horizons!

Tiffany
This place and the amazing staff has made miracles happen for us. Our son, L*, is making unbelievable progress and I accredit the therapy he receives at Playabilities and the caring, loving…

Nicole & Tyler

This place and the amazing staff has made miracles happen for us. Our son, L*, is making unbelievable progress and I accredit the therapy he receives at Playabilities and the caring, loving attitude of the staff. I can’t say enough about them!

Nicole & Tyler
I found playabilities on google while looking for services for my son. I had my concerns, however it wasn’t until his school told me that I needed to find additional help for…

Miranda

I found playabilities on google while looking for services for my son. I had my concerns, however it wasn’t until his school told me that I needed to find additional help for him that I started looking for services. I tried contacting multiple larger organizations and was told that I would be put on a waiting list or could schedule an evaluation months out. Playabilities called me back on the same day that I contacted them and got us scheduled within a week. They explained to us how my son’s sensory processing differences can attribute to his bizarre behaviors, meltdowns, and feeding issues. They taught us strategies to use to help calm his system and made his therapy time seem like play. He loves coming to therapy, even though he is challenged with things that are difficult for him. He is accepting more foods and more willing to try things after our therapist taught us the “food scientist” approach. His fear of everyday things has become less and less noticeable and we are so grateful that we found Playabilities.

Miranda
Upon my son’s diagnosis of Autism I was referred to Playabilities by a good friend. It’s been over a year and I’ve seen so much growth in my son! Jet came to…

Katie

Upon my son’s diagnosis of Autism I was referred to Playabilities by a good friend. It’s been over a year and I’ve seen so much growth in my son! Jet came to Playabilities with a lack of environment awareness and with no means to communicate his needs. Kelly listened to my goals for Jet, observed and through trial and error and the wonderful staff Jet has seen, Jessica and Carrie, he has made such progress through OT and Speech Therapy! My son now acknowledges people, makes eye contact, smiles, plays with other kids and waves and can communicate in his own special way! His listening skills have improved tremendously and I no longer fear taking my son out of his familiar surroundings as it relates to his safely. Thank for helping Jet reach where he is today. I’m so excited to see where he’ll be in another year! Thank you to all of the Playabilities staff for your patience and immense dedication to my Jet and all the other children you see.

Katie
Playabilities is a very engaging atmosphere. The therapists are extraordinary. They are compassionate and make me feel like my child is their number one priority while he is receiving individual therapy’s. They…

Kayci

Playabilities is a very engaging atmosphere. The therapists are extraordinary. They are compassionate and make me feel like my child is their number one priority while he is receiving individual therapy’s. They are patient and go to great lengths to understand my son and his needs. Our communication is great. I am able to email or contact individual therapists about any concerns I have and get response immediately. I love and appreciate all the work, care and progress they did in this past year for my son.

Kayci