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 will seem that their infant was born a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders every parent anxious with regards to bringing up a youngster 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 may need medical take care of possible birth defects as well as 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 strikes the growth and development of the child causing delays in the 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 how to care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an average life.

What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From creating a compressed face which has a flat nose and 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 that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations because they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and also other motor skills), sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), 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 vital role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average person, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate your 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 fogeys' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the procedure is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present inside the classroom. This is to 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 kid to adapt in a social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, as they try to be productive at work, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and stay physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards 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 quite a few of all, consult a Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we get the right diagnosis.