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 might seem that their infant was born a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical care for possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According on the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born in the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder applies to the growth and continuing development 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 individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how to care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There are other manifestations while they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, along with other motor skills), problems with sleep (like anti snoring), and vision problems. They also withdraw 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 those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the parents, particularly the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the therapy is progressing.

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

Parents should put importance on the well-being of the individual from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends 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 the right diagnosis.