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 was given birth to a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders all parents anxious with regards to bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical care for possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.



According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder applies to the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in their 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 way to care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, and other activities that will make them live a normal life.

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

There is also manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, and also other motor skills), sleep problems (like stop snoring), 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 a crucial role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the mother and father, specially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the procedure is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present inside classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that must be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in the social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at work, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and turn into physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatment therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends and relatives how they cope, and many 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.