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Definition: a birth defect that occurs when the neural tube, which develops into the spinal cord and brain, doesn't close properly during pregnancy

Etiology: The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, but it's thought to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

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Definition: damage to the network of nerves that carries signals from spinal cord to arm, shoulder, and hand

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Causes:

Breech Birth: if the baby is delivered on feet or buttocks first, nerves can be stretched

Larger Baby Plexus

Trauma: fall or sports injuries

Infections or inflammation: inflammation in the nerves

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OT Interventions for Muscular Dystrophy:

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OT Interventions for Muscular Dystrophy:

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1. Using equipment for self-care tasks, such as commode chairs, shower chairs, beds, and mobile arm supports

2. Using energy conservation techniques so your body movements are more efficient, which can help with fatigue.

3. Using communication aids and devices such as writing aids or computers to assist with school and work-related activities as well as social networking

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0.4 to 4 in 1,000 births. About 1% of pediatric trauma incidences result in brachial plexus, commonly resulting from MVA.

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Occupational therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy – Muscular...

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Occupational therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) focuses on improving the ability to do daily activities.

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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Definition 

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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Definition 

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Overview

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Some children may experience symptoms for only a few months, while others have symptoms for many years.

Some types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause serious complications, such as growth problems, joint damage and eye inflammation. Treatment focuses on controlling pain and inflammation, improving function, and preventing damage.

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Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis are:

Pain. While your child might not complain of joint pain, you may notice that he or she limps - especially first thing in the morning or after a nap.

Swelling. Joint swelling is common but is often first noticed in larger joints such as the knee.

Stiffness. You might notice that your child appears clumsier than usual, particularly in the morning or after naps.

Fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash. In some cases, high fever, swollen lymph nodes or a rash on the trunk may occur - which is usually worse in the evenings.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can affect one joint or many. There are several different subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but the main ones are systemic, oligoarticular and polyarticular. Which type your child has depends on symptoms, the number of joints affected, and if a fever and rashes are prominent features.

Like other forms of arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis is characterized by times when symptoms flare up and times when symptoms may be minimal.

When to see a doctor

Take your child to the doctor if he or she has joint pain, swelling or stiffness for more than a week - especially if he or she also has a fever.

Causes

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. It's not known why this happens, but both heredity and environment seem to play a role.

Risk factors

Some forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis are more common in girls.

Complications

Several serious complications can result from juvenile idiopathic arthritis. But keeping a careful watch on your child's condition and seeking appropriate medical attention can greatly reduce the risk of these complications:

Eye problems. Some forms can cause eye inflammation. If this condition is left untreated, it may result in cataracts, glaucoma and even blindness.

Eye inflammation frequently occurs without symptoms, so it's important for children with this condition to be examined regularly by an ophthalmologist.

Growth problems. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can interfere with your child's growth and bone development. Some medications used for treatment, mainly corticosteroids, also can inhibit growth.

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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - Symptoms and causes

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Learn about this type of arthritis that affects children and can cause growth problems, joint damage and eye inflammation.

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Intervention with hand orthosis: experience from boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their parents

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To identify and describe possible ways of experiencing an intervention with hand orthoses in a study group including boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and their parents. To capture the ex…

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Musculoskeletal system: loss of motor function in the arms. weakness to complete paralysis

limited range of motor

muscle atrophy

Sensory System:

loss of sensation

pain occurring

Autonomic System:

Temperature regulation

Functional Impact:

fine motor skills

gross motor skills

developmental milestones

OT Precaution

ROM exercises

pain in movement or stretch

Protecting their nerve tissue or sensation problems

avoid splitting due to muscle weakness

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PWS was first described by Swiss doctors Andrea Prader, Alexis Labhart, and Heinrich Willi in 1956 based on the clinical characteristics of nine children they examined. The common characteristics defined in the initial report included small hands and feet, abnormal growth and body composition (small stature, very low lean body mass, and early-onset childhood obesity),...

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Overview

Shaken baby syndrome is a serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking an infant or toddler. It's also known as abusive head trauma, shaken impact syndrome, inflicted head injury or whiplash shaken infant syndrome.

Shaken baby syndrome destroys a child's brain cells and prevents his or her brain from getting enough oxygen. This form of child abuse can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Shaken baby syndrome is preventable. Help is available for parents who are at risk of harming a child. Parents also can educate other caregivers about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome.

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Symptoms

Shaken baby syndrome symptoms and signs include:

Extreme fussiness or irritability

Difficulty staying awake

Breathing problems

Poor eating

Vomiting

Pale or bluish skin

Seizures

Paralysis

Coma

While sometimes there's bruising on the face, you may not see signs of physical injury to the child's outer body. Injuries that might not be immediately seen include bleeding in the brain and eyes, spinal cord damage, and fractures of the ribs, skull, legs and other bones. Many children with shaken baby syndrome show signs and symptoms of prior child abuse.

In mild cases of shaken baby syndrome, a child may appear normal after being shaken, but over time they may develop health or behavioral problems.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate help if you suspect your child has been injured by violent shaking. Call 911 or emergency medical help, or take your child to the nearest emergency room. Getting medical care right away may save your child's life or prevent serious health problems.

Health care professionals are legally required to report all suspected cases of child abuse to state authorities.

Causes

Babies have weak neck muscles and can't support the weight of their heads. If a baby is forcefully shaken, their fragile brain moves back and forth inside the skull. This causes bruising, swelling and bleeding.

Shaken baby syndrome usually occurs when a parent or caregiver severely shakes a baby or toddler due to frustration or anger - often because the child won't stop crying.

Shaken baby syndrome isn't usually caused by bouncing a child on your knee or minor falls.

Risk factors

The following things may increase the risk that parents or caregivers are more likely to forcefully shake a baby and cause shaken baby syndrome:

Unrealistic expectations of babies

Young or single parenthood

Stress

Domestic violence

Alcohol or substance abuse

Unstable family situations

Depression

A history of mistreatment as a child

Also, men are more likely to cause shaken baby syndrome than are women.

Complications

Even brief shaking of an infant can cause irreversible brain damage. Many children affected by shaken baby syndrome die.

Survivors of shaken baby syndrome may require lifelong medical care for conditions such as:

Partial or total blindness

Developmental delays, learning problems or behavior issues

Intellectual disability

Seizure disorders

Cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects movement and muscle coordination

Prevention

New parent education classes can help parents better understand the dangers of violent shaking and may provide tips to soothe a crying baby and manage stress.

When your crying baby can't be calmed, you may be tempted to try anything to get the tears to stop - but it's important to always treat your child gently. Nothing justifies shaking a child.

If you're having trouble managing your emotions or the stress of parenthood, seek help. Your child's doctor may offer a referral to a counselor or other mental health provider.

If other people help take care of your child - whether a hired caregiver, sibling or grandparent - make sure they know the dangers of shaken baby syndrome.

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Shaken baby syndrome - Symptoms and causes

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Understand why shaking a baby can cause brain damage, and why getting immediate medical care can save a child's life or prevent serious health problems.

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Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth.

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1. Köse, B., Temizkan, E., Şahin, S., Kara, K., & Uyanık, M. (2024). Effects of a visual perception-based occupational therapy program on reading and motor skills in children with developmental dyslexia: Single blind randomized cross-over study design. Dyslexia, 30(3), e1773. https://doi.org/10.1002/dys.1773

2. Verma, M., Begum, R., & Kapoor, R. (2019). To develop an occupational therapy kit for handwriting skills in children with dysgraphia and study its efficacy: A single-arm interventional study. The Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51(3), 85–89. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoth.ijoth_20_18

3. Javed, S., Muniandy, M., Lee, C. K., & Husni, H. (2023). Enhancing teaching and learning for pupils with dyslexia: A comprehensive review of technological and non-technological interventions. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 9607–9643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12195-5

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The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance supports Minnesotans affected by brain injury through advocacy, public policy, resource facilitation, case management and education.

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Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Society

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Nielsen, L.S. et al. (2007). Visual dysfunctions and ocular disorders in children with developmental delay. I. prevalence, diagnoses and aetiology of visual impairment. Hatton, D.D. et al. (2007). Babies Count: the national registry for children with visual impairments, birth to 3 years. Matsuba, C.A., Jan, J.E.. (2006). Long-term outcome of children with cortical visual impairment. Swaminathan, M. (2011). Cortical visual impairment in children - A new challenge for the future? Roman, C., Baker-Nobles, L., Dutton, G.N., et al. (2010). Statement on Cortical Visual Impairment. Roman-Lantzy, C. (2018). Acta Ophthalmol Scand, 85: 149-56.
JAAPOS, 11: 351-5.
Dev Med Child Neurol, 48: 508-12.
Oman Journal of Ophthalmology, 4(1), 1-2. http://doi.org/10.4103/0974-620X.77654
JVIB, 104:69-72.
Cortical Visual Impairment: An Approach to Assessment and Intervention . 2nd ed., New York, NY: AFB Press.

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What Is CVI? | Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment Society

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Nielsen, L.S. et al. (2007). Visual dysfunctions and ocular disorders in children with developmental delay. I. prevalence, diagnoses and aetiology of visual impairment. Hatton, D.D. et al. (2007). Babies Count: the national registry for children with visual impairments, birth to 3 years. Matsuba, C.A., Jan, J.E.. (2006).

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The CVI Center conducted an assessment focused on children and young adults with CVI in the U.S., drawing upon analysis from McKinsey & Company.

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Treatment options for Duchenne muscular dystrophy - PubMed

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The main goal in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is to maintain ambulation for as long as possible and to anticipate and manage the associated complications, such as joint contractures, scoliosis, cardiomyopathy, respiratory insufficiency, and weight gain. Cognitive and behavioral …

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Impact of an Educational Intervention on Caregivers

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Impact on Occupational Performance:

Decreased movement or sensation in the affected arm

A child may not be able to bear weight on the arm impacting their ability to meet gross motor developmental milestones such as rolling to one side, crawling, and pulling from sit to stand.

A child may struggle with fine motor tasks and bilateral coordination.

Depending on their level of sensory and/or motor loss the child will experience difficulties with completing self care tasks such as bathing and dressing.

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Cerebral visual impairment (sometimes called cortical visual impairment or CVI) is a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that process vision. It's most common in babies and young children, but can continue into adulthood.

A child with CVI has vision problems that are caused by their brain that can't be explained by a problem with their eyes. Normally, the eyes send electrical signals to the brain, and the brain turns those signals into the images you see. If you have CVI, your brain has trouble processing and understanding these signals.

CVI is a leading cause of vision loss among kids in the United States. For some children with CVI, vision gets better over time , but everybody is different. If your child has CVI, make sure that they get early intervention and therapy, educational support, and other special services to help them develop and learn.

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Cerebral visual impairment (sometimes called cortical visual impairment or CVI) is a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that process vision. If your child has CVI, make sure that they get the support and services they need.

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Important to address upper extremity ROM through active and passive movement. Creation of home exercise programs to strengthen effected UE. Education for parents and child on sensory integration for effected UE.

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SECTION ON COMPLEMENTARY AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

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Sensory Integration Therapies for Children With Developmental and Behavioral Disorders

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Sensory-based therapies are increasingly used by occupational therapists and sometimes by other types of therapists in treatment of children with developmental and behavioral disorders. Sensory-based therapies involve activities that are believed to organize the sensory system by providing vestibula…

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Perceived Benefits of Word Prediction Intervention on Written Productivity

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Perceived Benefits of Word Prediction Intervention on Written Productivity

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Social Economics Public Awareness Campaign Education Worksheet in Cream Black and Pastel Colors Simple Graphic Style

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1 in 2875 babies are born with SB in the US each year

In the US each year, 1,278 babies are born with SB

Hispanic women have the highest rate of having a child with spina bifida

Prevention efforts such as getting a sufficient amount of folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy, reduces the risk of spina bifida

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Important to address pain management through activity modification and UE strengthen. Use of mirror therapy can be helpful in sensory integration training for effected UE.

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Review of rehabilitation protocols for brachial plexus injury

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Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is one of the most serious peripheral nerve injuries, resulting in severe and persistent impairments of the upper limb and disability in adults and children alike. With the relatively mature early diagnosis and surgical…

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No two people with Spina Bifida are exactly alike!

Health issues vary for each individual

Symptoms of Spina Bifida depends on where on the spine the opening is located and how big the opening is

Symptoms also depend on where the spinal cord and nerves are involved

Early treatment usually involves surgery but doesn't always restore function loss

Mobility, toileting, skin integrity, are the most common functions affected by spina bidida

Mobility: walking and moving around. Individuals need to use assistive devices such as a wheelchair, crutches, braces, or walkers to get from one place to another.

Bathroom Use: Independence with toileting. Those with spina bifida can potentially be incontinent and cannot control when they go to the bathroom. These individuals are also more at risk for urinary tract infections

Skin: Skin breakdown. Individuals may have loss of feeling in different parts of their body, especially their bottom. They may be unable to feel certain cuts, sores, bruises, etc on their skin. This can lead to the breakdown of skin ultimately leading to open sores/ulcers

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Splinting or Orthotics for support and stabilization of their UE

Adaptive Utensils to help with eating that can provide weight or angles

Reacher and Grabber tools

pencil grips

Ergonomic chairs or tables

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Back to School Newsletter in Pink Boho Style

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What it is

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Chromosomes are small "packages" of genes in the body's cells, which determine how the body forms and functions.

When babies are growing, the extra chromosome changes how their body and brain develop. This can cause both physical and mental challenges.

People with Down syndrome often have developmental challenges, such as being slower to learn to speak than other children.

Distinct physical signs of Down syndrome are usually present at birth and become more apparent as the baby grows. They can include facial features, such as:

A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose

Almond-shaped eyes that slant up

A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth

Other physical signs can include:

A short neck

Small ears, hands, and feet

A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)

Small pinky fingers

Poor muscle tone or loose joints

Shorter-than-average height

Some people with Down syndrome have other medical problems as well. Common health problems include:

Congenital heart defects

Hearing loss

Obstructive sleep apnea

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Each year, about 5,700 babies born in the US have Down syndrome.

Types

There are three types of Down syndrome. The physical features and behaviors are similar for all three types.

Trisomy 21

With Trisomy 21, each cell in the body has three separate copies of chromosome 21. About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21.

Translocation Down syndrome

In this type, an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present. However, the extra chromosome is attached or "trans-located" to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21. This type accounts for about 3% of people with Down syndrome.

Mosaic Down syndrome

Mosaic means mixture or combination. In this type, some cells have three copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have the typical two copies. People with mosaic Down syndrome may have fewer features of the condition. This type accounts for about 2% of people with Down syndrome.

Risk factors

We don't know for sure why Down syndrome occurs or how many different factors play a role. We do know that some things can affect your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.

One factor is your age when you get pregnant. The risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with age, especially if you are 35 years or older when you get pregnant.

However, the majority of babies with Down syndrome are still born to mothers less than 35 years old. This is because there are many more births among younger women.

Regardless of age, parents who have one child with Down syndrome are at an increased risk of having another child with Down syndrome.

Screening and diagnosis

There are two types of tests available to detect Down syndrome during pregnancy: screening tests and diagnostic tests. A screening test can tell you if your pregnancy has a higher chance of being affected Down syndrome. Screening tests don't provide an absolute diagnosis.

Diagnostic tests can typically detect if a baby will have Down syndrome, but they carry more risk. Neither screening nor diagnostic tests can predict the full impact of Down syndrome on a baby.

Resources

The views of these organizations are their own and do not reflect the official position of CDC.

Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF): The DSRF supports people living with Down syndrome and their families with individualized and leading-edge educational programs, health services, information resources, and rich social connections so each person can flourish in their own right.

GiGi's Playhouse: GiGi's Playhouse provides free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a replicable playhouse model.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation: This foundation is dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.

National Association for Down Syndrome: The National Association for Down Syndrome supports all persons with Down syndrome in achieving their full potential. They seek to help families, educate the public, address social issues and challenges, and facilitate active participation.

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): NDSS seeks to increase awareness and acceptance of those with Down syndrome.

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Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome 21.

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OTs work with children with CVI in can focus on these areas:

Visual Saccades,

Visual Fields or visuospatial neglect

Visual Attention

Facial Recognition

Visual Processing Speed or Response Interval

Hand Eye Coordination and Visual Attention to Hands

Visual Guidance of Lower Extremity

Sensory Processing: over-reliance of other senses for guidance

Visual distractibility: inability to focus on other senses while looking

Interpretation of Motion

Depth Perception

Figure Ground

Representative Forms, understanding an illustrated representation of a real object

Form Constancy, understanding the form is the same after being rotated

Color Perception

Impact of Light

Visual Memory

Visual Learning and Exploration

Visual Closure

Visual Sequential Memory

Visual Spatial Relationships

Visual Discrimination

https://annagoldenberg.com/occupational-therapy-and-cortical-visual-impairment/

https://www.perkins.org/resource/cvi-in-the-occupational-therapy-setting/

https://pcvis.vision/families-and-caregivers/at-home-everyday-cvi-adaptations-and-approaches/

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Pediatric Occupational Therapy | Anna Goldenberg

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How do Occupational Therapists work with children with cortical visual impairment?

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CVI is the leading cause of blindness in children. Children with CVI may vary in severity of impairment, how much they see, or how they interpret visual information.

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Aquatic therapy is beneficial for children with brachial plexus injuries due to the buoyant, viscose, thermal, and environmental properties of water. Aquatic based OT has been shown to enhance occupational engagement for children and families.

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Tiffany Bolton, Brittney Stevenson, and Sarah Steensma, Volume 29 • Issue 11 • November 2024

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Aquatics-Based OT to Address Neonatal Brachial Plexus Injury | AOTA

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Cerebral visual impairment (sometimes called cortical visual impairment or CVI) is a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that process vision. It's most common in babies and young children, but can continue into adulthood.

A child with CVI has vision problems that are caused by their brain that can't be explained by a problem with their eyes. Normally, the eyes send electrical signals to the brain, and the brain turns those signals into the images you see. If you have CVI, your brain has trouble processing and understanding these signals.

CVI is a leading cause of vision loss among kids in the United States. For some children with CVI, vision gets better over time , but everybody is different. If your child has CVI, make sure that they get early intervention and therapy, educational support, and other special services to help them develop and learn.

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Cerebral visual impairment (sometimes called cortical visual impairment or CVI) is a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that process vision. If your child has CVI, make sure that they get the support and services they need.

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Light Orange Mint Green Delicate Muted Toys Company Brochure

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A child with Spina Bifida is expected to meet all milestones as they develop. The child may experience additional challenges throughout everyday life

Spina Bifida is not a progressive condition and does not worsen as an individual ages

The impact of Spina Bifida is not the same throughout the lifespan as the challenges faced by a young child with SB differs from the challenges faced as an adult with SB.