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 created a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders all parents anxious in relation to bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical care for possible birth defects and other congenital problems.



According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born within the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder has an effect on the growth and development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live an average life.

What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by it usually have small features. From having 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 hands and feet, short high. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp and they have poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations while they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and other motor skills), problems with sleep (like snore), and vision problems. They also get sick easily which enable it to contract infection or diseases faster than others who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the oldsters, especially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the procedure is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present inside classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that must be addressed in order for a child to adapt inside a social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, because they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and become physically active to get a 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 many of all, consult a occupational therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we have the right diagnosis.