Parents are the first observers of any atypical behavior in
their child such as delayed speech, delayed walking, clumsiness, poor feeding,
and many more symptoms. In kindergarten or grade school, difficulties are
observed in reading and writing abilities. Or simply there is a gut feeling
that all is not well with their child. That probably begins their journey with
medical examinations, internet searches, and exploring treatment options.
And they either get puzzled when the child is not provided
with a proper diagnosis, or there is a
sigh of relief that there is no diagnosis. Either way, the problem still
remains as to why is the child displaying atypical behaviors or struggling in
school.
A qualified physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or a
speech therapist would do a detailed assessment of the child in terms of
assessing muscle tone, strength, flexibility, motor skills, sensory systems,
balance, communication, language, visual-motor skills etc. to detect any deficits
that would lead to difficulties that the child is experiencing. Therapy is
targeted to reduce these identified difficulties and improve functional abilities.
Rather than arguing
about whether the child is diagnosed or not, getting the symptoms addressed is
an option. And earlier the better, since issues can be treated at a better and
faster rate until age 7 when the brain is most adaptable to learning.
