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 came to be a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical take care of possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.



According towards 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 has an effect on the growth and development of the child causing delays in their or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, and other activities that will make them live a standard life.

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

There are other manifestations because they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss in hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, along with other motor skills), problems with sleep (like sleep apnea), 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 with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average 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 look after 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 treatment is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present within the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that must be addressed in order for a child to adapt inside a social setting. Adults that 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 for any 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 friends and relatives how they cope, and many of all, consult a in-home physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we have the right diagnosis.