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 will seem that their infant came to be a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a youngster who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical look after possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and development of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What will be 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 tone of muscle that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are also manifestations because they grow, including congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, as well as other motor skills), problems with sleep (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick 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 those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the fogeys, especially the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the procedure is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present within the classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that must be addressed in order for the little one to adapt inside a 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 turn into physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance for 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 relatives and friends how they cope, and many of all, consult a occupational therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we will need to be sure we the right diagnosis.