When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they are unable to help but feel devastated. To them, it will seem that their infant was given birth to a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations with 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 care for possible birth defects and also other congenital problems.

According for the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born in the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder strikes the growth and progression of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people who have Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how to care for oneself like putting on a costume or eating, refining their coordination skills, and other activities that will make them live a standard life.

What will be the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born from it usually have small features. From having a compressed face using a flat nose plus a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small hands and feet, short high. They also have low tone of muscle that they look limp and the’ve poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are also manifestations since they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, as well as other motor skills), sleep problems (like snore), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and can contract infection or diseases faster than others who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the oldsters, specially 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 detail by detail on how treatments is progressing.

There may also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners will also be present inside the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of the little one 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 have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at work, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and turn into physically active for a healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the person from its infancy to adulthood. The need for professional occupational treatments are readily available and accessible. Read more about Down syndrome, ask relatives and friends how they cope, and a lot of all, consult a Physical therapy West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we have the right diagnosis.