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 can't help but feel devastated. To them, it may seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical care for possible birth defects and other congenital problems.



According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 733 babies born inside 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 their or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There are also manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, and also other motor skills), insomnia issues (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and may contract infection or diseases faster than those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the parents, specially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the therapy is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present within the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that have to be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and become physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance on the well-being of the average person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends and relatives how they cope, and a lot of all, consult a physical therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we need to be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.