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 given birth to a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on 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 check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical care for possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.


According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one inch 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder applies to 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 will be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born from it usually have small features. From creating a compressed face using a flat nose along with a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small feet and hands, short in height. They also have low muscle tone that they look limp and they have poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations since they grow, like congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, as well as other motor skills), problems with sleep (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and may contract infection or diseases faster than these who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play an important role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare your family psychologically, enabling the fogeys, especially 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 detail by detail on how the therapy is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners may also be present inside classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that need to be addressed in order for the kid to adapt in the social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and be physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the average person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational care is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask friends and relatives 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 get the right diagnosis.