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 may seem that their infant came to be a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on 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 those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need 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 their 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 other activities that will make them live a standard life.

What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From developing a compressed face having a flat nose as well as a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small feet and hands, short in height. 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, including congenital heart defects, loss of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, as well as other motor skills), sleep disorders (like anti snoring), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily which enable it to 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 people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average person, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the parents, particularly the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the procedure is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present within the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that have to be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and become 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 therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives and friends how they cope, and many of all, consult a occupational therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.