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't help but feel devastated. To them, it may seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders every parent anxious with regards to bringing up a young child who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical look after possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.



According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder strikes 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 also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can care for oneself like putting on a costume 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 with it usually have small features. From using a compressed face using a flat nose and a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small feet and hands, short high. They also have low muscle tone that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations as they grow, for example congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and also other motor skills), sleep problems (like snore), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily which enable it to 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 individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the mother and father, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the therapy is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present inside classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that should be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in the social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and turn into physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

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