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 could seem that their infant was born a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders all parents 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 require medical take care of possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According on 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 development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, and other activities that will make them live a normal life.

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

There are also 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 anti snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and can contract infection or diseases faster than those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the parents, specially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how treatments is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present in the classroom. This is to further improve 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 be physically active for the 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 Occupational therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we the right diagnosis.