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 might seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders every parent anxious in terms of bringing up a young child who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical take care of possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.



According on the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 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 as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like dressing 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 which has a flat nose along with a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short in height. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp and the've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations because they grow, including congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and other motor skills), sleep problems (like snore), 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 an important role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the fogeys, especially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the treatment is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present within the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that need to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and become physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance for 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 friends and relatives how they cope, and many of all, consult a in-home physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we have the right diagnosis.