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 might seem that their infant was born a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical maintain possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.



According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder has an effect on the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What will 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 feet and hands, short in height. They also have low muscle tone that they look limp and the've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations because they grow, including congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and also other motor skills), problems with sleep (like snore), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and can 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 average person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the oldsters, specially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the treatment 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, along with other issues that must be addressed in order for a child to adapt in a 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 stay physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

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