Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Wiki Article

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 came to be a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders each parent anxious in relation to bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical care for possible birth defects and other congenital problems.


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

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

There is also another manifestations while they grow, including congenital heart defects, loss in hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, and other motor skills), sleep problems (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill easily which enable it to contract infection or diseases faster compared to those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the mother and father, specially the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how treatments is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present inside classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that need to be addressed in order for the child to adapt inside a social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and turn into physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

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