Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Wiki Article

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 instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders every parent anxious when it comes to bringing up a child who has it. But there's you don't 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 for the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born inside the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder strikes the growth and progression of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, as well as other activities that will make them live a standard life.

What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From using a compressed face having 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 with 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 compared to those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of people 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 your family psychologically, enabling the mother and father, especially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the therapy is progressing.

There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present within the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that must be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and become physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

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