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 will seem that their infant was born a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical maintain possible birth defects and also 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 has an effect on the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays in their or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, and 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 using a compressed face with a flat nose as well as a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short tall. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp and they have poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations while they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, and other motor skills), problems with sleep (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and may contract infection or diseases faster than these who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the parents, specially the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the treatment is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that have to be addressed in order for a child to adapt in 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 for the healthy lifestyle.

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