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 out of 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 include 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 tall. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp and they've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, as well as other motor skills), insomnia issues (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and can contract infection or diseases faster than those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the mother and father, particularly the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the procedure 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 need to be addressed in order for a child to adapt in the social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, since 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 care is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends how they cope, and many 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.