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 was born a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders every parent anxious in terms of bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical look after possible birth defects and other congenital problems.



According on 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 impacts the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how to care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live an average life.

What include the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From using 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 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 is also another manifestations as they grow, including congenital heart defects, loss in hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, along with other motor skills), insomnia issues (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and may contract infection or diseases faster than others 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 individual, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the mother and father, specially the mother, to effectively maintain 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 treatments is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present within the 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 that have Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and stay physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

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