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 might seem that their infant was created a lesser being as opposed to 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 require medical take care of possible birth defects along with 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 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 being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There are other manifestations since they grow, like congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, as well as other motor skills), sleep problems (like anti snoring), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and can contract infection or diseases faster than these who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of people who have Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the fogeys, specially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the procedure 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 the little one through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that need to be addressed in order for a child to adapt in the social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and be physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the individual 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 many of all, consult a Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we the right diagnosis.