Early education of children with Down Syndrome contributes to the development of their intelligence and skills.
The occupational therapy method, which aims to improve the quality of daily life by using play and art methods, supports the development of children with Down Syndrome.
On March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, declared by the United Nations, it is aimed to raise awareness about the problems experienced by these special people.
It is not a disease but a difference
Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Lecturer and Occupational Therapy Specialist Shahram Mohseni stated that Down Syndrome is a genetic difference and a chromosomal anomaly and said, "While the number of chromosomes in an ordinary human body is 46, this number is 47 in individuals with DS due to the presence of 3 21st chromosomes. Down Syndrome is not a disease that needs to be treated but a genetic difference. It occurs when there is an extra chromosome in the 21st chromosome pair as a result of improper division during cell division."
Early education improves quality of life
Stating that the intelligence levels of children with Down Syndrome differ, Mohseni said that the early education of these children leads to improvements in their intelligence levels and skills, "Thus, their life skills increase and they reach the level to lead a normal life."
They prepare for life through play and art
Stating that occupational therapy practices are used to help children with Down Syndrome to maintain their daily lives and improve their independence, Mohseni said, "Children with limited learning abilities need special education and attention in order to integrate them into society and lead a happy life. In occupational therapy, play and art methods are used to help the child acquire fine motor, cognitive and functional life skills that will improve the quality of life."
Occupational Therapy Specialist Shahram Mohseni stated that the expert occupational therapist team helps to develop the child's playing and cognitive skills with the work done, and that they develop independence and participation in functional activities such as dressing and cleaning, and said, "We try to help the child socialize with peers through improved motor skills and develop confidence, school preparation and attention development."
Personalized rehabilitation applications
In the Pediatric Occupational Therapy Center opened in NP Etiler Polyclinic, which works with the science and practice partnership of Üsküdar University and NPISTANBUL Hospital, it is aimed to improve the quality of daily life of children and young patients aged 0-14 with developmental retardation and special needs by using play and art methods. Rehabilitation is applied according to a personalized development program.
In the Pediatric Occupational Therapy Center; In addition to Down Syndrome, studies are carried out for the treatment of diseases such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, mental problems, learning difficulties and hyperactivity. In the center, where it is aimed to achieve the most appropriate goals according to the age and condition of the child, therapy and training sessions are held to make the child more sensitive to sensory, psychological and physical needs through play.