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 may seem that their infant was created a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders each parent anxious with regards to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical maintain possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.



According on the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born within the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live an average life.

What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From creating a compressed face which has a flat nose as well as a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small hands and feet, short in height. They also have low muscle tone that they look limp and they've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also manifestations since they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and also other motor skills), sleep disorders (like anti snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill 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 problem. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the mother and father, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the procedure is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present in the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that must be addressed in order for the kid to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and turn into physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the individual from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends and 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 need to be sure we have the right diagnosis.