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 created a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders all parents anxious with regards to bringing up a child who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical maintain possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.



According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder has an effect on the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how to care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born from it usually have small features. From developing a compressed face having a flat nose plus a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short in height. 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, like congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and other motor skills), sleep problems (like snore), 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 person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the mother and father, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' 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 in the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that need to be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and stay physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the person 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 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 have the right diagnosis.