The Ministry of Health of Peru announced on March 20 that the family is the primary and most important support for the development of people with Down syndrome, emphasizing that constant family involvement directly influences autonomy, emotional well-being, and social participation.
This focus comes as Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by extra material on chromosome 21, can lead to intellectual disability, muscle hypotonia, and sometimes heart or digestive issues. Early stimulation, access to therapies, and sustained family support are considered essential pillars for enhancing abilities and improving quality of life.
The National Rehabilitation Institute (INR) “Dra. Adriana Rebaza Flores” Amistad Perú-Japón, part of the Ministry of Health, promotes an integrated approach that actively includes families in therapeutic processes. Dr. Katia Bustillos Villalta, head of the Department of Research, Teaching and Comprehensive Rehabilitation in Intellectual Disabilities and Social Adaptation at INR, said treatment should consider both the individual and their environment. “We work under a biopsychosocial approach that integrates medical, psychological and social aspects. In this process, the family plays a key role because it helps sustain progress made in therapy and transfer it to daily life,” she said.
Through multidisciplinary evaluations, INR implements programs for school inclusion, job inclusion, quality of life improvement and decentralized care for patients from provinces. These interventions include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychopedagogical intervention, psychomotricity activities, sports participation, social support and psychological assistance—all aimed at strengthening functional skills and promoting active community participation.
From a psychological perspective, Soledad Ostos Jara emphasized that families not only accompany but also drive self-determination. “The dynamics built at home directly influence self-esteem, behavior and the ability to function in society. That’s why we seek to empower parents and caregivers by providing them with tools to foster independence and active participation for their children,” she said.
World Down Syndrome Day is observed every March 21. In 2025 alone, INR provided 7,021 specialized services to people with Down syndrome.
