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
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
Prader-Willi Syndrome
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Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), is a complex genetic disorder that
typically causes low muscle tone, short stature, incomplete sexual
development, cognitive disabilities, problem behaviors, and a
chronic feeling of hunger that can lead to excessive eating and
life-threatening obesity.
Symptoms of Prader-Willi Syndrome
Here's a breakdown of the symptoms by a child's age:
At Birth:
- Often breech or caesarean births
- Lethargy
- Low muscle tone (called hypotonia)
- Feeding difficulties (due to poor muscle tone affecting sucking
reflex)
- Difficulties establishing respiration
- Defects in the reproductive system, called hypogonadism
Infancy:
- Failure to thrive (continued feeding difficulties)
- Delayed milestones/intellectual delay
- Excessive sleeping
- Eyes not properly aligned with each other, called Strabismus
- Scoliosis (often not detected at birth)
Childhood:
- Speech delay
- Poor physical coordination
- Hyperphagia (over-eating) from age 2 - 4 years. Note change from
feeding difficulties in infancy
- Excessive weight gain
How is PWS diagnosed?
PWS should be considered when presented with a hypotonic newborn. Genetic
testing is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.
Prader-Willi syndrome is often misdiagnosed as Down Syndrome, simply
because of the relative frequency of Down Syndrome compared to PWS. Also,
marked obesity can occur in Down Syndrome due to behavioral issues. Adding
to the confusion, parents of children who already carry a diagnosis of
Prader-Willi Syndrome may tell friends, family, and even physicians and
nurses that their child has Down Syndrome because more people have heard of
that condition.
Treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome
Prader-Willi Syndrome has no cure. However, several treatments are in
place to lessen the conditions symptoms.
Growth hormone replacement therapy improves body composition and
increases linear height. During infancy, subjects should undergo therapies
to improve muscle tone. Speech and occupational therapy are also
recommended. During the school years, children benefit from a highly
structured learning environment as well as extra help. Throughout their
lives, the subjects food should literally be kept under lock and key, since
the largest problem associated with the syndrome is severe obesity.
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List of Diagnosis
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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