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't help but feel devastated. To them, it might seem that their infant was created a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical take care of possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born in the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder has an effect on the growth and progression of the child causing delays in 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 how you can care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live a normal life.

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

There is also another manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, as well as other motor skills), insomnia issues (like snore), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily which enable it to contract infection or diseases faster than those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the oldsters, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how treatments is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present within the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that must 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 permit them to live independently, and stay physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the individual 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 physical therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.