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 may seem that their infant was born a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with this genetic condition renders each parent anxious with regards to bringing up a kid who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical look after possible birth defects and other congenital problems.


According towards the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and progression 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 people 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, and also other activities that will make them live a normal life.

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

There is also manifestations while they grow, like congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, as well as other motor skills), insomnia issues (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and will contract infection or diseases faster than these 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 your situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the mother and father, particularly the mother, to effectively look after 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 treatments is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present inside classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that need to 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 the office, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and be physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance to the well-being of the consumer from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatment therapy is 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 will need to be sure we have the right diagnosis.