When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they can’t help but feel devastated. To them, it may seem that their infant was created a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations on this genetic condition renders each parent anxious with regards to bringing up a child who has it. But there’s you should not despair. Many people who have Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical care for possible birth defects as well as other congenital problems.

According on the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born inside United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder applies to the growth and progression of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome will come in. Occupational therapy practitioners help those with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them the way to care for oneself like being fashionable or eating, refining their coordination skills, and other activities that will make them live an average life.

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

There are other manifestations as they grow, for example congenital heart defects, loss of hearing a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, upright, and other motor skills), sleep problems (like snore), and vision problems. They also become ill easily and will contract infection or diseases faster than others who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of those with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the person, these occupational therapists assist the family members understand and appreciate the specific situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the mother and father, especially the mother, to effectively maintain the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the oldsters’ expectations of the kid with Down syndrome, guiding them in depth on how treatments is progressing.

There will also be cases where occupational therapy practitioners can also be present inside classroom. This is to further improve the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, along with other issues that have to be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a very social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, since they try to be productive at the office, learn skills that permit them to live independently, and become physically active to get a healthy lifestyle.

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