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 cannot help but feel devastated. To them, it will seem that their infant came to be a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's you don't need to despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical look after possible birth defects along with 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 progression of the child causing delays in the 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 how to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There are other manifestations while they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and other motor skills), insomnia issues (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily and can contract infection or diseases faster than others who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of people who have Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the mother and father, particularly the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the treatment is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present within the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that must be addressed in order for a child to adapt in a social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at work, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and become physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

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