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 might 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 in relation to bringing up a child who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to 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 in the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and progression of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the 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 will be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From using a compressed face having a flat nose along with a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short high. They also have low muscle that they look limp and they have poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations as they grow, including congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, and other motor skills), sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily and may contract infection or diseases faster than others 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 problem. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the fogeys, especially the mother, to effectively take care of 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 the treatment 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, and also other issues that should be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in a social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, while 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 for the well-being of the average person 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 most of all, consult a Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we will need to be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.