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 are unable to help but feel devastated. To them, it could seem that their infant came to be a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders each parent anxious when it comes to bringing up a young child who has it. But there's you don't need to despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical look after possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.



According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born within the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and progression of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live an ordinary life.

What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From using a compressed face having a flat nose and 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 that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations while they grow, including congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, and other motor skills), sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily which enable it to contract infection or diseases faster than others who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the oldsters, particularly the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the procedure is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that need to be addressed in order for a child to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the office, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and turn into physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the individual from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational care is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends how they cope, and most of all, consult a Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we the right diagnosis.