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 cannot help but feel devastated. To them, it will seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders all parents anxious with regards to bringing up a child who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical take care of possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder has an effect on the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and other activities that will make them live a normal life.

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

There are also manifestations because they grow, for example congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, as well as other motor skills), sleep disorders (like snore), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and will contract infection or diseases faster than those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the oldsters, specially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how treatments is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present within the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that have to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in a social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, since they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and be physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to 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 relatives and friends how they cope, and a lot of all, consult a Occupational Therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we will need to be sure we the right diagnosis.