DEVELOPMENT DELAY PHYSIOTHERAPY

 

What is Developmental Delay?

Developmental delay (DD) is the term given to a child who does not meet key developmental milestones and falls behind the expected progression in area of development compared to other children.

The term global developmental delay GDD describes a child who has delay in two or more key areas of development.

1-3% of children under the age of five are affected. Causes of developmental delay may be unknown or associated with genetic and or environmental factors.

What are the types of Developmental Delays in Young Children?

Developmental disabilities are severe and have long-term problems. They may be physical, such as blindness. They may affect mental ability, such as learning disorders. Or the problem can be both physical and mental, such as Down syndrome. The problems are usually life-long and can affect everyday living.

This means the child may not smile or look to the direction parents calling or it might mean that head is dropped and that they are floppy to hold.

Children learn at their own pace.  As parents you know and recognise if they are following normal development or they are behind.  Contact your GP to be referred to the development team if you have any concern in this area.

What are the possible causes of sensory, motor and learning skill delays?

Children who are born prematurely may not develop muscles at the same rate as other children.

Other possible causes of sensory motor delays include:

1. Ataxia, a defect that impairs muscle coordination
2. Cerebral palsy, a condition caused by brain damagebefore birth
3. Cognitive delays
4. Sensory abnormalities
5. Myopathy, a disease of the muscles
6. Muscular dystrophy
7. Problems with vision
8. Spinal bifida
9. A genetic condition such as Down, Coffen lowry syndrome, prader willi syndrome and Rett syndrome

 

About us and Developmental Delay Physiotherapy

We are specialist neuro physiotherapists with many years of experience in treating children with different types of developmental delay. We implement various methods of treatment including Bobath, Carr and Conductive Education. In conjunction we use technology such as functional electrical stimulation to promote movement patterns and a sense of balance. An example of which is the MyGait, a wireless drop foot device. A child with developmental delay is more than the sum total of their symptoms; as such we treat the individual as a whole rather than their symptoms.

Developmental Delay Assessment

An in depth two hour assessment is the first port of call.  At Birkdale Neuro Rehab Centre we identify the needs of the individual child through a thorough assessment.  The assessment covers the following areas:

1. Motor,
2. Sensory
3. Cognition
4. Balance
5. Analysis of posture and gait.
6. We utilise devices such as the RS Foot Scan, Electromygraphy and Clinical Photography to enable accurate analysis and to provide objective measures to monitor progression.

 

Developmental Delay and Physiotherapy

As each child is an individual the long term outcome of a child diagnosed with developmental delay will vary greatly. Some will go on to bridge the gap between themselves and their peers and they do not require support.  However others may needs long term intervention.

A tailored neuro-physiotherapy plan is put together for the young patient who needs long term support.  Our innovative approach uses the body’s sensory motor and language systems.

Part of our ethos is to empower the entire family and make sure that all care supports the individual in their journey towards improvement.  Many of our patients show long term results that exceed all expectations.