Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Wiki Article

When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they are unable to help but feel devastated. To them, it could seem that their infant came to be 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 need medical care for possible birth defects and 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 growth and development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals 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 are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From developing a compressed face which has a flat nose as well as a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, 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 snore), 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 fogeys, specially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the therapy is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present within the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that have to be addressed in order for the kid 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 become physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance on 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 a lot of all, consult a Occupational therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we need to be sure we get the right diagnosis.