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 cannot help but feel devastated. To them, it will seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders all parents anxious with regards to bringing up a young child who has it. But there's you don't need to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical look after possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder strikes the growth and progression of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live a normal life.

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

There is also another manifestations since they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and also other motor skills), sleep problems (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and will contract infection or diseases faster than these who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of people who have 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 family members psychologically, enabling the parents, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how treatments is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present within the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and 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 make use of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive at work, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and become physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance for 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 Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.