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 born a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders each parent anxious in relation to bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's no need to 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 as well as other congenital problems.



According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 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 growth and development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with 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 having a compressed face which has a flat nose as well as a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short high. They also have low muscle that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations as they grow, for example congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, and other motor skills), insomnia issues (like snore), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily and can 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 assist the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the parents, especially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the therapy is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present in the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that must be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in the social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, as they try to be productive at the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and stay physically active to get a 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 Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we need to be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.