Occupational therapy for down syndrome

Down syndrome is a common disorder in Bangladesh. Children who are suffering from this disorder, their intellectual and physical development are delay from another child.

Every year, 21 March is observed as a Down syndrome day internationally. It is officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Many programs are arranged in this occasion. Down syndrome patients share their experience and attend different seminar and activities. The slogan of this year is" what I bring to my community ".

No studies have been done yet about chromosomal disorder down syndrome in Bangladesh. But some organizations who work on it said  at least 200,000 in number, crying in silence.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability and other physical and learning challenges.

The disorder is also known as ‘trisomy 21’ as it is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21.

Down syndrome may also be diagnosed at birth or during early infancy, on the basis of physical characteristics such as:

low muscle tone

small head, ears and mouth

upward slanting eyes

irregular spacing between the toes

If down syndrome is suspected, a genetic test will be performed on a small sample of the baby’s blood to confirm the diagnosis.

Down syndrome treatment

Down syndrome cannot be cured. However, early treatment can help many people with down syndrome to live productive lives well into adulthood.

Children with down syndrome can often benefit from speech therapy, occupational therapy, and exercises to help improve their motor skills. They might also be helped by special education and attention at school.

Some of the medical problems common in people with down syndrome, like cataracts, hearing problems, thyroid problems, and seizure disorders, can alsobe  treated or corrected.

Occupational therapy practitioners can help them  to attain master skills for independence through self-care including  feeding and dressing, fine and gross motor skills, school performance, and play and leisure activities.

Research, education, and advocacy have led to advances in therapy, which have had a huge effect on the opportunities available to individuals with down syndrome. The life expectancy has increased dramatically in recent decades—from 25 years  in 1983 to 60 years today—and people with down syndrome are graduating high school, going to college, participating in social and recreational activities in their communities, making up a vibrant part of the workforce, living independently, and advocating for their rights.

Occupational therapy practitioners guide individuals with down syndrome and their families to help them reach their potential throughout the life span. Occupational therapy intervention should begin their work as soon as a diagnosis of down syndrome is established, and should continue throughout the individual’s life.

During infancy, occupational therapy practitioners can help mothers whose children are having feeding problems because of weak muscles in their cheeks, tongue, and lips. During early childhood, therapy can focus on mastering motor skills for independence, focusing on low muscle tone, loose ligaments at the joints, and visual and auditory deficits (Bruni, 2001).

An occupational therapy practitioner can suggest positioning or adaptations that might help the child become more independent.

School-aged children with down syndrome benefit from an occupational therapy practitioner’s ability to address self-care skills like zipping a jacket, and fine and gross motor skills like cutting with scissors or completing multistep classroom routines to facilitate participation in school activities.

Occupational therapy practitioners can also assist in the classroom by enhancing the child’s communication skills through printing, handwriting, and keyboarding. Other issues addressed are adaptations to the classroom—such as the position of desks and chairs—for optimal performance, based on the child’s physical abilities (Bruni, 2001).

Adults with down syndrome benefit from occupational therapy in finding and retaining productive work, learning independent living skills, and participating in active recreation for health maintenance.

“People with down syndrome, like everyone else, are people first, each with their own unique gifts to contribute,” says National Down Syndrome Society President John Colman. “Down syndrome awareness month provides a forum for dispelling stereotypes, educating the general public about their many abilities, and raising awareness for people with down syndrome.”

Occupational therapy can play an important role in assisting individuals with down syndrome from diagnosis to adulthood. “Occupational therapy helps individuals with down syndrome by creating programs to develop and utilize skills across the lifespan,” says Asher.

Down syndrome prognosis

The life expectancy for people with down syndrome has increased substantially. In 1929, the average life span of a person with down syndrome was nine years. Today, it is common for a person with down syndrome to live upto the age 50 and beyond.

In addition to living longer, people with down syndrome are now living fuller, richer lives than ever before as family members and contributors to their community. Many people with down syndrome form meaningful relationships and eventually marry.

Now,  people with down syndrome are living longer, the needs of adults with down syndrome are receiving greater attention. With assistance from family and caretakers, many adults with down syndrome have developed the skills required to hold jobs and to live semi-independently.’