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 cannot help but feel devastated. To them, it may seem that their infant was born a lesser being instead of 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 no requirement to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical maintain possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.



According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder strikes the growth and progression 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 also other activities that will make them live an average life.

What will be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From having a compressed face which has a flat nose plus 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 that they look limp and the've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are also manifestations as they grow, like congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, as well as other motor skills), sleep problems (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily and may contract infection or diseases faster than 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 consumer, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the parents, specially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the therapy is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that have to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and be physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards 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 how they cope, and many of all, consult a Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we get the right diagnosis.