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When parents learn that their newborn has Down syndrome, they cannot help but feel devastated. To them, it could seem that their infant was created a lesser being instead of a healthy babe. Seeing the physical manifestations of this genetic condition renders every parent anxious in relation to bringing up a youngster who has it. But there’s you should not despair. Many individuals with Down syndrome are healthy. Some visit school, enjoy sports, and socialize. But some might need medical care for possible birth defects along with other congenital problems.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, one in 733 babies born within the United States, or about 400,000 Americans, has Down syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts the growth and growth and development of the child causing delays as part of his or her cognitive abilities. This is where occupational therapy for Down syndrome is available in. Occupational therapy practitioners help people with Down syndrome become independent by teaching them how you can care for oneself like dressing up or eating, refining their coordination skills, and also other activities that will make them live an average 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 hands and feet, short high. They also have low tone of 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, for example congenital heart defects, decrease of hearing in a single or both ears, intellectual and developmental disabilities (like walking, taking a stand, along with other motor skills), sleep disorders (like snore), and vision problems. They also get sick easily and can contract infection or diseases faster than these who do not have Down syndrome.

All throughout these impediments, occupational therapy practitioners play a crucial role in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Aside from physically and psychologically enabling the average person, these occupational therapists help the family members understand and appreciate the problem. They also prepare the household psychologically, enabling the mother and father, specially the mother, to effectively care for the individual during its infancy. These therapists also set the mother and father’ expectations of the little one with Down syndrome, guiding them detail by detail on how the therapy is progressing.

There are also cases where occupational therapy practitioners are also present inside classroom. This is to boost the communication skills of a child through handwriting, drawing, and other issues that need to be addressed in order for the little one to adapt in the social setting. Adults who may have Down syndrome also make use of occupational therapy, because they try to be productive at the office, learn skills that enable them to live independently, and become physically active for the healthy lifestyle.

Parents should put importance towards the well-being of the average person 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 most of all, consult a occupational therapy at home West Palm Beach. Some have misdiagnosed Down syndrome with autism but we must be sure we have the right diagnosis.