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 not 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 this genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's you should not 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 towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and development of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can 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 by it usually have small features. From using a compressed face which has a flat nose and a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short in height. They also have low muscle that they look limp and they've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations as they grow, including congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, along with other motor skills), problems with sleep (like anti snoring), 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 crucial role in the lives of individuals with 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 mother and father' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the therapy is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present inside classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that should be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and be physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards 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 how they cope, and most of all, consult a Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we need to be sure we have the right diagnosis.