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 may 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 when it comes to bringing up a child who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit 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 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 comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From creating a compressed face having a flat nose plus a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small hands and feet, short in height. 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 because they grow, such as congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, as well as other motor skills), sleep problems (like anti snoring), and vision problems. They also get sick 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 people who have Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average person, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the fogeys, specially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the therapy is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present within the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that must be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at work, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and become physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the consumer from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatment therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives and 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 have the right diagnosis.