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 will seem that their infant was born a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders all parents anxious with regards to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people who have 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 on the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder applies to the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in their 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 best way 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 from it usually have small features. From creating 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 in height. 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 since they grow, like congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, along with other motor skills), sleep problems (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and will contract infection or diseases faster compared to those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the mother and father, especially 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 can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present within the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of a child 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 that have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and be physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

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