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 are unable to help but feel devastated. To them, it might seem that their infant was born a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders each parent anxious in relation to bringing up a young child who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical take care of possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.



According on the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born within the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome also comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have 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 other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There is also manifestations as they grow, like congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, along with other motor skills), sleep disorders (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and may contract infection or diseases faster compared to those who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in the lives of people who have 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 parents, particularly the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the treatment is progressing.

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

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