Hope Haven

Hope Haven
4600 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Phone: (904) 346-5100
Fax: (904) 346-5111


Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder caused by chromosomal abnormalities that result in highly variable degrees of learning difficulties and physical development. Hope Haven’s Down Syndrome Center provides evaluations in the areas of medial, speech/communications, gross motor, fine motor, behavioral/social and educational development. It also provides parent and family resources, support services, and prenatal/newborn consultations.
Evaluations of Children with Down Syndrome

Referrals are accepted from agencies, physicians or by direct parent contact. Team or individual appointments are available for children ages prenatal to 18 years. Using assessments and guidelines specifically designed for individuals with Down syndrome, the DSC offers parents a comprehensive overview of their child’s progress in all areas of growth and development. DSC professionals focus on the potential of each child to grow, learn and behave in an educational and/or home environment. Each visit begins with an educational consultation, followed by strength-based evaluations in the areas requested. These evaluations are designed to obtain the most accurate picture of the child’s individual potential.

Families choose the Down Syndrome Center at Hope Haven for many reasons:

* They would like to know more about the newest findings on Down syndrome and the impact these findings can have in their child’s life.
* They desire a professional opinion on the overall development and potential of their child.
* They wish to ensure that they are doing everything possible for their child.
* They are seeking suggestions for behavior improvement in school and/or at home.
* They believe their child is not realizing his/her full potential in the current learning environment.
* Their child is ready for transition from one level of education to the next.
* They are looking for ways to work with their child at home in addition to regular services being received or in place of outside services.

Therapies for Children with Down Syndrome

Hope Haven provides many of recommended services for children with Down syndrome including:

* occupational therapy
* physical therapy
* speech and language therapy
* tutoring and educational supports
* behavioral/social skills instruction.

Families accessing services through the Down Syndrome Center at Hope Haven receive a comprehensive report on their child’s strengths with recommendations for maximizing potential. This report can serve as information for the school setting and individualized education program (IEP) preparation as well as at-home involvement. School observations, psychological testing, and/or social skills consultations are available upon request.

Families can also be provided with an opportunity to meet with the director of computer instruction and tutoring for an overview of computer programs appropriate for their child. The Down Syndrome Association’s Resource Library is made available, and family networking is encouraged. Notices of recommended follow-up are routinely provided.