Plagiocephaly refers to a persistent flattened spot on the back or side of the head, and is sometimes referred to as Flat Head Syndrome. Plagiocephaly can be pre-natal, again due to a restricted uterine environment, lack of amniotic fluid, multiple births or increased abdominal or uterine muscle tone.
Children who are left untreated may suffer from one or more of the following associated problems:
- Open mouth posture
- Tongue may be pulled to one side
- Suck/swallow reflex may be affected
- Shortening of other neck or trunk muscles
- Facial asymmetry
- One ear in front of the other
- Feeding issues
Developmental delay is a broad term used to describe when a toddler or infant’s development is delayed in one or more areas compared to other children.
These different areas of development may include:
- gross motor development (how children move)
- fine motor development (how children manipulate objects and use their hands)
- speech and language development (how children communicate, understand and use language)
- cognitive/intellectual development: how children understand, think and learn
- social and emotional development: how children relate with others and develop increasing independence.
Parents may become aware of delay when the child does not achieve milestones at the expected age.
Transient developmental delay is common in premature babies. Premature babies may show a delay in the area of sitting, crawling and walking. Early physiotherapy will help to attain milestones so the child can progress on at a normal rate.
Disorders which cause persistent developmental delay are often termed developmental disabilities. Examples are cerebral palsy, muscle disorders, language disorders, autism, emotional problems and disorders of vision and hearing. All these conditions can cause developmental delay.
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a spectrum of issues that affect a child’s ability to acquire or perform skilled movements. Children with difficulty coordinating movement can have subsequent trouble with many tasks required routinely in school/ preschool.
If not treated early children with DCD can develop avoidance behaviours or fail to participate, leading to a cycle of inactivity, frustration and low self-esteem. In Australia as many as one in ten children experience these issues. Accurate diagnosis of DCD enables the Physiotherapist to employ strategies that will aid in the healthy physical and mental development of these children.