Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

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When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they can not help but feel devastated. To them, it will seem that their infant came to be a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders each parent anxious in terms of bringing up a child who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical look after possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and development of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an ordinary life.

What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by it usually have small features. From using a compressed face which has a flat nose along with a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short high. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are also manifestations since they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, along with other motor skills), problems with sleep (like anti snoring), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily and may contract infection or diseases faster than these who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of people who have Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the mother and father, particularly the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the treatment is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that must be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and become physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance for the well-being of the individual from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends how they cope, and quite a few of all, consult a physical therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we will need to be sure we get the right diagnosis.