Down Syndrome
Often accompanied by low facial and tongue muscle tone, open mouth rest posture, protruding tongue and increased airway concern.
What is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 700 births. Individuals with Down syndrome commonly present with orofacial characteristics that impact breathing, feeding, swallowing, and speech. These include low muscle tone (hypotonia) in the face and tongue, a smaller oral cavity, a relatively large tongue, and a tendency toward open mouth rest posture.
These structural and functional differences can lead to chronic mouth breathing, difficulty managing saliva, feeding challenges, and increased susceptibility to upper airway obstruction. Many individuals with Down syndrome also experience obstructive sleep apnea, which can significantly affect quality of life, behavior, and cognitive development.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy is an important part of a comprehensive care approach for individuals with Down syndrome. Therapy is adapted to each person’s cognitive level, communication style, and motor abilities, and is coordinated with medical, dental, speech, and occupational therapy providers.
Signs & Symptoms
- Low facial and tongue muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Chronic open mouth rest posture
- Tongue protruding beyond the lips at rest
- Difficulty with breastfeeding or bottle feeding in infancy
- Excess drooling or poor saliva management
- Mouth breathing and snoring
- Feeding difficulties including chewing and swallowing
- Sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea
- Speech sound errors related to tongue placement
How Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Helps
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for individuals with Down syndrome focuses on improving functional outcomes in breathing, feeding, and oral posture. The goal is not to change appearance but to support safety, efficiency, and independence in daily activities.
Therapy targets strengthening the tongue and facial muscles, establishing a more functional resting tongue posture within the mouth, and promoting lip seal and nasal breathing. For infants, this may focus on feeding support and pre-feeding oral motor exercises. For older children and adults, therapy addresses drooling management, chewing efficiency, and airway health.
Each treatment plan is carefully adapted to the individual’s developmental level and sensory profile. Visual supports, repetition, and caregiver involvement are key components. Therapy works alongside medical and dental providers to ensure a coordinated, supportive approach.
Therapy Techniques
- Tongue retraction and elevation exercises adapted for ability level
- Lip seal and lip strengthening activities
- Oral motor exercises to improve chewing and swallowing coordination
- Nasal breathing awareness and practice with visual cues
- Saliva management techniques and swallowing prompts
- Feeding therapy coordination with occupational and speech therapists
Expected Outcomes
- Improved tongue posture within the oral cavity
- Reduced open mouth posture and tongue protrusion
- Better saliva management and reduced drooling
- Improved feeding safety and efficiency
- Support for nasal breathing and airway health
- Enhanced coordination with dental and medical treatment plans
Who is this for?
Infants, children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome. Therapy is adapted to each individual’s cognitive, motor, and sensory profile. Caregiver participation is an important part of the program.
Looking for orofacial myofunctional support for your child or loved one?