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 might seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders every parent anxious in terms of bringing up a child who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical care for possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.



According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in his 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 dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There are other manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, as well as other motor skills), problems with sleep (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and may contract infection or diseases faster compared to those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the parents, especially the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how treatments is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present inside classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that should be addressed in order for a child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive at work, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and turn into physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance on the well-being of the consumer from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational care is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives how they cope, and quite a few of all, consult a Occupational therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we need to be sure we the right diagnosis.