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 are unable to help but feel devastated. To them, it may seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders every parent anxious with regards to bringing up a young child who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical maintain possible birth defects and other congenital problems.



According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder strikes the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in their or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There is also another manifestations since they grow, including congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, along with other motor skills), sleep problems (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick easily which enable it to contract infection or diseases faster than these who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of people who have Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the fogeys, particularly the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the procedure is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present in the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that need to be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and be physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance for the well-being of the person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives how they cope, and a lot of all, consult a Occupational therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we get the right diagnosis.