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 given birth to a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders all parents anxious in terms of bringing up a youngster 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 might need medical look after possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.


According on the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born within the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an ordinary life.

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

There is also another manifestations as they grow, for example congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, and also other motor skills), sleep disorders (like snore), 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 vital 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 the problem. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the oldsters, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the treatment is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present in the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that have to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive at work, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and turn into physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends how they cope, and a lot of all, consult a occupational therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we the right diagnosis.