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 was created a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a kid who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical look after possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.


According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born within 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 also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What include the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born from it usually have small features. From using a compressed face with a flat nose as well as 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 are also manifestations as they grow, including congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, along with other motor skills), sleep problems (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and can contract infection or diseases faster than these who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the parents, particularly the mother, to effectively maintain 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 treatments is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present inside the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that have to be addressed in order for a child to adapt in a social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive at work, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and stay physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

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