When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they can’t help but feel devastated. To them, it could seem that their infant was born a lesser being as opposed to a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a young child who has it. But there’s you should not despair. Many those with Down syndrome are healthy. Some check out school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may require medical look after possible birth defects and 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 has an effect on the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays in the or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome 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, along with other activities that will make them live a normal life.

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

There is also another manifestations while they grow, like congenital heart defects, loss of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing, as well as other motor skills), insomnia issues (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 who have Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists profit the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare family members psychologically, enabling the mother and father, especially the mother, to effectively look after the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the fogeys’ expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how treatments is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present within the classroom. This is to improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, as well as other issues that need to be addressed in order for the child to adapt inside a social setting. Adults that have Down syndrome also reap the benefits of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the job, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and turn into 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 friends how they cope, and quite a few 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.