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 was created a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders every parent anxious with regards to bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical maintain possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According to 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 strikes the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays in their or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people 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 by it usually have small features. From having a compressed face having 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 muscle that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, as well as 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 treatments 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 permit them to live independently, and become physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance for the well-being of the person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask 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 must be sure we get the right diagnosis.