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 born a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders every parent anxious with regards to bringing up a young 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 may require medical take care of possible birth defects and other congenital problems.



According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born in the 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 also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live a standard life.

What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From developing a compressed face having a flat nose and a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short in height. They also have low muscle that they look limp and they've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations while they grow, for example congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, as well as other motor skills), sleep problems (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill 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 a crucial role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the mother and father, specially the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the procedure is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present inside the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that need to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in the social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and be 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 therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives and friends how they cope, and a lot of all, consult a in-home physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we need to be sure we have the right diagnosis.