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 could seem that their infant was created a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders all parents anxious in relation to bringing up a young child who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical look after possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.


According for 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 impacts the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live an ordinary life.

What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From developing 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 tall. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp and the've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are also manifestations because they grow, including congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, along with other motor skills), sleep problems (like snore), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily which enable it to contract infection or diseases faster compared to those 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 the situation. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the oldsters, especially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the therapy is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present within the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that have to be addressed in order for a child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and be physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the average person 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 many of all, consult a Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we have the right diagnosis.