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 created a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical look after possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.



According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder applies to 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 will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how to care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, and other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What will be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by it usually have small features. From using a compressed face with a flat nose plus a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small hands and feet, short tall. They also have low 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, decrease of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and other motor skills), problems with sleep (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also become ill 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 an important role in the lives of those 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 the household psychologically, enabling the mother and father, specially the mother, to effectively care for 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 further improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that have to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and turn into physically active to get a 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 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 have to be sure we the right diagnosis.