Early Intervention Support
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Diagnosis for Children with Special Needs

Early Childhood Intervention

This website is a place for families who are facing challenges pertaining to their child's development and growth.

It is a place to find answers and practical suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all about.

Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior, a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it should be savored and enjoyed.

Learn More:

Ask a Therapist

Group of Therapists

We understand developmental milestones and the challenges of Special Needs children.  We spend a great deal of time with families understanding the inner workings of childhood routines and interactions.  Ask us about your child today!
 
Ask a Therapist

Contact Information

Mother & Baby 

Find Early Intervention Support contacts in your State.  If you have a question or comment for us, please visit our Contact page.

Mitochondrial Disease

 

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Inside body cells are tiny little parts called mitochondria (as many as 1,000 per cell).

The mitochondria make the energy the cells need to grow and do their work in the body. If the mitochondria are damaged or malfunctioning, the cells cannot carry out their functions.

Causes of Mitochondrial Disease in Children

Mitochondrial disease is usually a genetic condition that runs in families.

Mitochondrial Disease Symptoms

  • Muscle weakness or exercise intolerance
  • Heart failure or rhythm disturbances
  • Dementia
  • Movement disorders
  • Stroke-like episodes
  • Deafness
  • Blindness
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Limited mobility of the eyes
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures

Mitochondrial Disease Treatment

The treatment your child needs will depend on his or her specific needs.
A doctor who specializes in metabolic diseases can decide the best way to reduce symptoms, delay the progression, or even prevent the progression of the disease.

Your child's treatment might include:

  • Vitamin and enzyme therapies
  • Occupational and physical therapy
  • Diet therapy

Where Can I Get More Information?

The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
1-888-317-UMDF (8633)
E-mail info@umdf.org
Website: www.umdf.org


National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue)
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
Tel: 203-744-0100
Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-798-2291
E-mail orphan@rarediseases.org
Website: http://www.rarediseases.org

 

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Learn More About Early Intervention

Therapy Options

Thankfully, there are many ways to deal with childhood developmental delays and behaviors. These include in-home services, outpatient (you take your child to a clinic), inpatient (following injury or surgery) and school based services. Which type of therapy should you choose?

Visit our Therapy Options area to learn more.

 

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