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 came to be a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders each parent anxious in terms of bringing up a child who has it. But there’s no requirement to despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some head to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical look after possible birth defects and other congenital problems.

According for 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 as part of his 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 way to care for oneself like dressing or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What will be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born by it usually have small features. From creating a compressed face with a flat nose as well as 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 that they look limp and they’ve poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are other manifestations since they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, along with other motor skills), problems with sleep (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill easily which enable it to 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 individual, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate your situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the mother and father, especially the mother, to effectively take care of the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters’ expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how the procedure is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that have to be addressed in order for the child to adapt in the social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and stay physically active for any healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance on 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 and friends how they cope, and most of all, consult a Occupational therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we obtain the right diagnosis.