Don't Delay! Early Intervention for Movement Disorders

Pediatric Basics, The Journal of Pediatric Nutrition and Development, Fall 2000

Written by: H. Garry Gardner, MD, FAAP and John F. Sarwark, MD, FAAP, AACPDM

Awareness and recognition of the signs of movement delay need to be a high priority for pediatricians and parents when child development concerns arise. Because of lack of awareness and other challenges, pediatricians and parents may overlook indicators of developmental delay, or might postpone evaluation or referral of a child exhibiting signs of a movement disorder. Early therapeutic intervention is crucial, as it dramatically decreases the time it takes for a child to achieve various functional capabilities and ensures that a child's potential is maximized.

Research has show that there is a critical early age for initiating a successful intervention program in order for a child with physical challenges to achieve the most benefit. By reading this article, parents and practitioners will learn about the most up-to-date assessment tools and techniques, to ensure that they will recognize potential movement disorders when signs are present. When a parent or pediatrician recognizes one or more of the "warning signs," he or she must refer the child or request that the child be evaluated.

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