Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Wiki Article

When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they are unable to help but feel devastated. To them, it could seem that their infant came to be a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders each parent anxious when it comes to bringing up a child who has it. But there's you don't need to despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical take care of possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.


According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born within the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder strikes the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how to care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live an average life.

What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From developing a compressed face which has a flat nose and a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small hands and feet, short tall. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations since they grow, like congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, as well as other motor skills), problems with sleep (like stop snoring), 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 people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the oldsters, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the procedure is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present in the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that need to be addressed in order for the child to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive at the office, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and be physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

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