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 can't help but feel devastated. To them, it may seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a kid 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 may need medical care for possible birth defects and 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, as well as other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with 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 extremities, short high. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp and the've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are also manifestations because they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, and also other motor skills), problems with sleep (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and may 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 your family psychologically, enabling the mother and father, especially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the therapy is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present inside the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that must be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in a social setting. Adults who may 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 stay physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the consumer from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends and 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 will need to be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.