Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy

Wiki Article

When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they cannot help but feel devastated. To them, it will seem that their infant was born a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders every parent anxious with regards to bringing up a young child who has it. But there's you should not despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical look after possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.


According for 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 applies to the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays as part of 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 being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live a standard life.

What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by using it usually have small features. From creating 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 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 is also another manifestations because they grow, for example congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, and also other motor skills), sleep disorders (like anti 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 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 the household 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 boost the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that must be addressed in order for the kid to adapt inside a 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 become physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance on the well-being of the individual from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends 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 have to be sure we get the right diagnosis.