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 given birth to a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of the genetic condition renders all parents anxious with regards to bringing up a young child who has it. But there’s no need to despair. Many those 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 for the National Down Syndrome Society, one out of 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and continuing development of the child causing delays in 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 best way to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live a normal life.

What include the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From having a compressed face which has 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 tone of muscle that they look limp with poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.

There are also manifestations while they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss in hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, along with other motor skills), problems with sleep (like stop snoring), and vision problems. They also become ill easily which enable it to 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 people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the parents, especially the mother, to effectively take care of 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 will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of the little one through handwriting, drawing, and also other issues that need to be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in a social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also take advantage of occupational therapy, while they try to be productive in the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and become physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

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