Physiotherapy Crucial For Children With Down's Syndrome

By Zulkiple Ibrahim The incidence of Down’s Syndrome in Malaysia is 1 in 950, according to a report published in 1989. Down's Syndrome is a genetic condition that results in a broad range of learning disabilities, and delay in mental and physical growth of a child. This is the second of three articles on this genetic disorder, to mark the World Down’s Syndrome Day on March 21. KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- Physical therapy is important for children with Down’s Syndrome as it not only helps notice their problems, but also improves the quality of their lives. It is important for rehabilitation of children with this genetic disorder, and key to their participation in various activities. Physical therapy includes physical, psychological, emotional and social well-being of children with Down’s Syndrome. According to physiotherapists, the objective of physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, in Down's Syndrome is to help the child learn to move his body in appropriate ways. Without physical therapy, many children with Down’s Syndrome, if not most of them, adjust their movements to make up for their weak muscles. This can lead to problems such as pain. The goal of physical therapy, therefore, is to teach these children proper physical movement. Experts stress physical therapists be trained, and have knowledge of the ways in which children with Down’s Syndrome tend to make up for their low muscle tone, loose joints and other musculoskeletal problems. HELP THE CHILD According to physiotherapist Ida Yasmine Ahmad, a therapist teaches the parents and their child with Down's Syndrome to work on physical skills at home. Ida Yasmine is one of the three therapists at the Kiwanis Down’s Syndrome Foundation-National Centre (KDSF-NC) in Petaling Jaya. "The amount of physical therapy a child receives is based on the evaluation by the physical therapist, but will often not be more than once a week. This, of course, depends on the particular child. "The small amount of time the therapist spends with parents and their child is for instructional purposes. Therefore, the most benefit is gained when the parents or caregiver actively participate in the therapy sessions," she said. She advised parents to play with the child. "When the child is active and playing, play with him and try to include some of the things the therapist has taught you," she said. Ida Yasmine said parents do not need to go through formal sessions. They also do not need to have special toys or tools as children learn through play. "Make the sessions that you have with your children, fun. Many toys and household items are great tools for therapy play at home," she explained. MAHSA-TRAINED Born on Feb 14, 1983, in Kuching, Sarawak, the 29-year-old Ida Yasmine is the third of four siblings. She graduated from MAHSA (Malaysian Allied Health Science Academy) University College in 2009 and has been working with the KDSF-NC since October 2009. What makes Ida Yasmine want to work with children, especially those with special needs? "Honestly, I have never really thought about it much. It just happened and surprisingly I am enjoying my work with the children. "When I was still studying in the university, of all the subjects, I feared paediatrics the most. Initially, I was not confident and used to think that I might do more damage to the children instead of helping them," she told Bernama. Ida Yasmine said not just helping children with special needs; working with children itself is a great experience. PERCEPTION "Working with children at the KDSF-NC really changed my perception and insecurities about them. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity by the KDSF-NC and the parents to work with these little angels and be a part of their wonderful journey through life," she said. One of the children under Ida Yasmine's care is Azfar. "When I first saw Azfar, it was in my second week at the KDSF-NC. It was during his feeding sessions with the therapists. He was crying loudly, struggling and resisting throughout the session. "All the anxieties I earlier had about children with special needs came rushing back to me because of this situation. I was most troubled to see him with a nasogastric tube for the purpose of feeding. "At that moment I just wanted to take him away from my colleagues so that he would stop crying and calm down," she said, adding that working with Azfar is a big challenge for her and other therapists. "Our team of therapists consists of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, and we work together on Azfar's case. We are very pleased to see his progress. "Azfar is now in the Toddler Programme. He is able to take food through his mouth, and take part in class activities. He is no longer totally dependent on the feeding tube. "We are still working closely on Azfar together with his class teachers and we hope that he will progress more in the future," she said. DEVELOPING PROPER POSTURES Lastly, the aim of physical therapy in Down’s Syndrome is not to speed up the child's development, rather it is to ensure that he develops proper postures. Ida Yasmine said a child benefits from physiotherapy not only in his early stages, but also later in life. She reminded that the greater part of the physical therapy for children with Down’s Syndrome comes through the parents or caregivers working and playing with them. "The parents' participation in physical therapy sessions is vital," she added. -- BERNAMA