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 will seem that their infant came to be a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical care for possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.



According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder has an effect on 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 also comes 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 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 hands and feet, short in height. They also have low muscle that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There is also another manifestations as they grow, for example congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, 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 compared to those 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 average person, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the parents, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' 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 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 must be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in the social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and become physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the individual from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational care is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask 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 need to be sure we have the right diagnosis.