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 might seem that their infant was created a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no requirement to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical care for possible birth defects and other congenital problems.


According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born in the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder has an effect on 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 the best way to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live a standard life.

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

There are also manifestations since they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss in hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, along with other motor skills), insomnia issues (like stop snoring), 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 a crucial 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 your situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the parents, especially the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the therapy is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will 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 should be addressed in order for a child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and become physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the individual 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 will need to be sure we have the right diagnosis.