Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Wiki Article

When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they cannot help but feel devastated. To them, it may seem that their infant was created 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 child who has it. But there's you don't need to despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical look after possible birth defects along with 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 impacts the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to 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 include the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born from it usually have small features. From having 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 hands and feet, short high. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, and also other motor skills), sleep problems (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and will 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 those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the mother and father, specially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how treatments is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present within the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that have to be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and stay physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

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