Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Wiki Article

When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they can not help but feel devastated. To them, it could seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being rather than 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 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 on the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder applies to the 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 how to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an average life.

What include the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by it usually have small features. From developing a compressed face using a flat nose plus a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small feet and hands, short tall. They also have low muscle tone that they look limp and they have poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations as they grow, like congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a 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 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 parents, specially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how treatments is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present in the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that have to be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and be physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the individual from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational care 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 the right diagnosis.