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 born a lesser being rather than a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders every parent anxious when it comes to bringing up a child who has it. But there’s no need to despair. Many people with Down syndrome are healthy. Some go to school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some may need medical care for possible birth defects and other congenital problems.
According to 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 development of the child causing delays in his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome comes in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how to care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, and other activities that will make them live a normal life.
What are the physical manifestations of Down syndrome? Babies born with it usually have small features. From having a compressed face with a flat nose and a small mouth, to almond-shaped eyes that slant up, small ears, short neck, small hands and 우리카지노사이트 feet, short in height. They also have low muscle tone that they look limp and they have poor head control. They look so delicate and frail.
There are other manifestations as they grow, such as congenital heart defects, loss of hearing in one or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, standing up, and other motor skills), sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and can contract infection or diseases faster than those who do not have Down syndrome.
All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and 우리카지노쿠폰 psychologically enabling the individual, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the situation. They also prepare the family psychologically, enabling the parents, especially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the parents’ expectations of the child with Down syndrome, guiding them step by step on how the therapy is progressing.
There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present in the classroom. This is to enhance the communication skills of the child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that need to be addressed in order for the child to adapt in a social setting. Adults who have Down syndrome also benefit from occupational therapy, as they try to be productive at work, 우리카지노 learn skills that allow them to live independently, and be physically active for a healthy lifestyle.
Parents should put importance to 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 and relatives how they cope, and most of all, consult a professional occupational therapy practitioner. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we have to be sure we get the right diagnosis.
Deepak is a professional writer who writes on various topics. Currently he is researching on mental disabilities. In this article, he is focusing on occupational therapy for down syndrome .