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 on this genetic condition renders each parent anxious when it comes to bringing up a child who has it. But there's you don't need to despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical look after possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.



According towards 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 impacts the growth and progression 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 people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live an ordinary life.

What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using 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 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 disorders (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and may contract infection or diseases faster compared to those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the oldsters, particularly the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the treatment is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that should be addressed in order for the little one to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive at the office, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and turn into physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

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