Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Blog Article

When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they can't 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 the genetic condition renders each parent anxious with regards to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's you don't need to despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical take care of possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.



According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder applies to the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live a standard life.

What include the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From creating a compressed face which has a flat nose plus a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small extremities, short in height. They also have low muscle tone that they look limp and they've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, as well as other motor skills), problems with sleep (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick 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 an important role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the consumer, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare your family 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 in depth on how treatments is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present inside classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that should be addressed in order for a child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and stay physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance for the well-being of the consumer from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational care is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends and relatives how they cope, and most 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.