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 may seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical look after possible birth defects as well as 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 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 hands and feet, 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 while they grow, for example congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, and other motor skills), sleep disorders (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also withdraw easily and will contract infection or diseases faster than others 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 individual, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the oldsters, particularly the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the treatment is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that should be addressed in order for the little one to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and be physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance for 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 friends how they cope, and many of all, consult a Occupational therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we the right diagnosis.