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 will seem that their infant was born a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders each parent anxious in terms of bringing up a kid who has it. But there's no need to despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might require medical take care of possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born in the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder has an effect on the growth and development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, along with other activities that will make them live a normal life. What would be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by it usually have small features. From using a compressed face with a flat nose along with a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small hands and feet, short high. They also have low muscle tone that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail. There is also manifestations while they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss in hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, as well as other motor skills), sleep disorders (like anti snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill 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 individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the oldsters, especially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents' expectations of a child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the procedure is progressing. There can also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present inside the classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of the kid through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that should be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, as they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and stay physically active for any healthy lifestyle. Parents should put importance to the well-being of the individual from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational therapy is readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives how they cope, and quite a few of all, consult a in-home physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have
misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we get the right diagnosis.
