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 came to be a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders each parent anxious when it comes to bringing up a child who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical take care of possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.


According towards 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 their or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There are also manifestations because they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, as well as other motor skills), insomnia issues (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and may contract infection or diseases faster than those 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 average person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the parents, specially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how treatments is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present in the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that need to be addressed in order for a child to adapt in the social setting. Adults who've Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that allow them to live independently, and turn into physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards 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 most 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 have the right diagnosis.