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't 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 of this genetic condition renders each parent anxious in terms of bringing up a kid who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical care for possible birth defects and also 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 as part of his 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 how to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live a normal life.

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

There are other manifestations while they grow, for example congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a single 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 can 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 profit the family members understand and appreciate the problem. 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 the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the therapy is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present inside classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that need to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in the social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive at the job, 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 average person 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 Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we will need to be sure we get the right diagnosis.