Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Blog Article

When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they can not help but feel devastated. To them, it could seem that their infant was born a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders each parent anxious in terms of bringing up a child who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical look after possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According for 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 applies to the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and 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 using 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 tone of muscle that they look limp and they have poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations as they grow, like congenital heart defects, lack of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, and also other motor skills), sleep problems (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill easily which enable it to contract infection or diseases faster compared to those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average person, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the mother and father, specially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the procedure is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that should be addressed in order for the 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 the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and turn into physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives and friends how they cope, and many 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.