Down Syndrome And The Role of Occupational Therapy When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they can't help but feel devastated. To them, it might seem that their infant was created a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders each parent anxious when it comes to bringing up a young child who has it. But there's you don't need to despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical take care of possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.
According to 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 progression of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help individuals with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the best way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live an ordinary life. What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born from it usually have small features. From developing a compressed face using a flat nose along with 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 the've poor head control. They look so delicate and frail. There is also another manifestations as they grow, like congenital heart defects, lack of hearing in a or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, as well as other motor skills), sleep disorders (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also get sick 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 people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the fogeys, especially the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father' expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them step-by-step on how the treatment is progressing. There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that have to be addressed in order for the child to adapt inside a social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and be physically active to get 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 treatment therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down
syndrome, ask friends how they cope, and most of all, consult a in-home physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we the right diagnosis.