by AJ is just now becoming an independent walker at four. By contrast, Averie was walking when she was one.
Now that said, AJ has friends with Down syndrome who walked at one, and friends who are just learning to walk at six. There is a whole wealth of reasons why this milestone may take longer for some kids. In AJs case he has low muscle tone and delayed reflexes. He also spent a lot of time in the hospital for surgeries, had a stroke, and has an oxygen tube (aka tripping hazard) attached to him at all times.
Just like every other kid, kids with Down syndrome will each develop skills at different paces based on a number of factors.
They learn to roll over, imitate sounds/actions, sit up, stand up, walk… hold eye contact, communicate, sleep through the night, etc…. all those things happen at a pace that’s unique for each individual.
One of the biggest factors is access to appropriate therapies. Without the help of our amazing PT, OT and Speech therapists, we would likely still be struggling with standing, never mind walking.
