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



According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 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 will be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born from it usually have small features. From creating a compressed face using a flat nose plus 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 muscle tone that they look limp and they have poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations since they grow, like congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, along with other motor skills), sleep problems (like anti snoring), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and can 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 average person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the mother and father, especially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the treatment is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present inside the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that must be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in a social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at work, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and stay physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the consumer from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends and relatives how they cope, and quite a few of all, consult a occupational therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we will need to be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.