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 inch 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 by 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 may contract infection or diseases faster than those 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 consumer, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the parents, especially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the therapy is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present within the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that must be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in a social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at work, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and stay physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

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