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



According on the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born within the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder strikes the growth and development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come 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 an ordinary life.

What will be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From creating a compressed face with a flat nose as well as 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 with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also manifestations since they grow, such as congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, as well as other motor skills), problems with sleep (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and will contract infection or diseases faster than others 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 your family psychologically, enabling the fogeys, especially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how treatments is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present inside the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that need to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt inside a social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive at the office, 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 person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatment therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives how they cope, and most 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.