DSL offers specialist therapy and local support to children with Down's Syndrome and their families
DSL is a unique, parent-run charity providing a free specialist early intervention therapy service, combining speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational/sensory therapy, aimed at young children with Down's Syndrome, 0 age six and their parents and carers. It's also a support network, offering local families much needed friendship, advice and a range of social opportunities.
Why the community needs usDSL's regular, frequent early intervention therapy is unavailable via the NHS or elsewhere, it's the only regular, weekly service of its kind and is free to local families. We encourage visits from outside professionals linked to children who attend sessions so DSL's therapists can share their strategies and rationale more widely.
Our impact on the communityThe charity has benefitted hundreds children and their families since its launch. Our therapy model is evidence-based and achieving compelling befits for children and families who attend. In 2008 DSL won the Lothian Award, established by the Lejeune Clinic to recognise an organisation that has made the most difference to the lives of children with Down's Syndrome in the UK.
