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 in relation to bringing up a child who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many people 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 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 dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live an ordinary life.

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

There is also manifestations because they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, and also other motor skills), problems with sleep (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill 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 a vital 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 specific situation. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the parents, specially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the treatment is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present inside the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that must be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in a social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at work, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and stay physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance on the well-being of the average person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends and 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 need to be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.