Understanding Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs when the spinal cord doesn’t close completely during pregnancy. This can result in a range of physical and developmental challenges, depending on the severity of the defect.
At South West Kids Clinic, we understand the unique needs of children with spina bifida and their families. Our team of paediatric allied health professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive, individualized support to help your child reach their full potential.
We focus on maximizing independence, improving mobility, and enhancing overall quality of life. Our therapies address a range of areas, including motor skills, cognitive development, bowel and bladder management, and social-emotional well-being. We work closely with families to create a supportive and empowering environment where children with spina bifida can thrive.
What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spinal cord fails to close completely during the early weeks of pregnancy. This can result in varying degrees of damage to the spinal cord and nerves, leading to a range of physical and neurological challenges. There are different types of spina bifida, with myelomeningocele being the most common and severe form.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of spina bifida vary depending on the severity of the defect. Common challenges that our therapists address include:
- Mobility Issues: Children with spina bifida often experience weakness or paralysis in their legs and feet, which can affect their ability to walk, crawl, and perform other motor skills.
- Bowel and Bladder Problems: Difficulties with bowel and bladder control are common due to nerve damage.
- Hydrocephalus: Many children with spina bifida develop hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain, which may require surgical intervention.
- Social and Emotional Challenges: Children with spina bifida may face social and emotional challenges related to their physical limitations and medical needs.
It’s important to remember that the severity of these signs and symptoms varies widely among individuals with Spina Bifida. Early intervention and ongoing therapy can significantly support development and help children reach their full potential.
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of spina bifida is unknown, but it’s thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Low levels of folic acid during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of spina bifida.
Personalised Therapy Solutions We Can Implement
Physiotherapy for Spina Bifida
Our physiotherapists work on improving strength, mobility, and gross motor skills. We use a variety of techniques to help children with spina bifida achieve their motor milestones, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking. We also provide guidance on appropriate exercises and activities to promote physical development and independence. Our team of Physiotherapists are also experienced in selecting and prescribing mobility equipment such as walkers and standing frames as well as AFOs to assist mobility for children with Spina Bifida as they learn to stand and walk.
More specifically, our Physiotherapists help children with spina bifida in the following ways:
- Functional, goal-directed therapy
- Assistive technology/equipment prescription, monitoring & support
- Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) intensive therapy
- Spider cage therapy
- Pediasuit
- Serial casting & splinting
- 24-hour positioning
- Paediatric Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (PIASTM)
- Pre and post-orthopaedic surgery rehabilitation
- Aquatic physiotherapy
- Education and family support
- Community assessments and intervention to assist with transitions into school
Occupational Therapy for Spina Bifida
Our occupational therapists focus on developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and self-care skills, such as dressing, eating, and toileting. We also provide support with adaptive equipment and strategies to promote independence in daily activities.
More specifically, our Occupational Therapists help children with spina bifida in the following ways:
- Comprehensive assessment of motor and developmental skills
- Goal-directed training
- Pre & Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Community assessments and adaptation reports
- Home and school modifications
- Equipment and assistive technology prescription, monitoring & support
- Parent/caregiver coaching & support
- Task adaptation or simplification
- Graded task progression
- Liaison with specialist team and key support persons
Speech Pathology for Spina Bifida
Our speech pathologists address communication challenges, working on speech clarity, language comprehension, and social communication skills. We also provide support with alternative communication methods if needed.
More specifically, our Speech Pathologists help children with spina bifida in the following ways:
- Comprehensive assessment of speech, language and feeding skills
- Comprehensive Assessment of language and literacy skills
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication prescription, monitoring and support – such as Key Word Sign.
- Alternative access for AAC, including switch access, eye gaze and partner-assisted scanning
- Peer-based playgroups
- Play-based language stimulation
- Babbling Bootcamp
- Parent/caregiver coaching & support
Dietetics for Spina Bifida
Our dietitians provide guidance on healthy eating, addressing any feeding difficulties, and ensuring optimal nutrition for growth and development. We also work with families to manage bowel and bladder issues through dietary strategies.
Why choose South West Kids Clinic to help your child with Spina Bifida?
Over 15 years of dedicated service
With more than 15 years of experience, South West Kids Clinic has established itself as a trusted paediatric therapy provider. Our dedication to helping children with muscular dystrophy therapy is reflected in the care we provide, offering families reliable support throughout their child’s developmental journey.
Multidisciplinary approach
Our clinic combines Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, and Dietetics expertise to provide comprehensive therapy plans. This multidisciplinary approach allows us to address a wide range of challenges, ensuring children receive the most well-rounded and effective care available.
Trained by international leaders in the field
Our therapists receive training from international leaders in paediatric therapy, giving them the skills and knowledge to apply cutting-edge techniques. This ensures that we bring the most advanced approaches to our therapy sessions, enhancing the effectiveness of our interventions for children with Asperger syndrome.
We implement the latest evidence-based approaches
At South West Kids Clinic, we stay updated on the latest research and evidence-based practices in paediatric therapy. By incorporating these proven methods, we ensure that each child receives the most effective treatment tailored to their individual needs, leading to better long-term outcomes.
Support for families with a child with Spina Bifida
In addition to the services we provide, the following organisations are a great source for parents looking for more guidance in other areas provided by South West Kids Clinic:
Frequently asked questions
What types of therapies are most effective for children with spina bifida?
A multidisciplinary approach is typically the most effective. This includes physical therapy for mobility and strength, occupational therapy for daily living skills, speech therapy if there are communication challenges and tailored support such as psychological counselling and nutritional guidance.
What types of therapies are most effective for children with Spina Bifida?
A multidisciplinary approach is typically the most effective. This includes physical therapy for mobility and strength, occupational therapy for daily living skills, speech therapy if there are communication challenges and tailored support such as psychological counselling and nutritional guidance.
What are the long-term effects of spina bifida, and how will therapy help my child manage them?
The long-term effects of spina bifida vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some children may experience minor physical disabilities, while others may have more significant challenges with mobility, bowel and bladder control, or learning. Our therapists will work with your child to manage these effects by improving their strength, mobility, coordination, and self-care skills. We’ll also provide strategies to manage bowel and bladder issues and support their cognitive and social-emotional development. Therapy plays a crucial role in helping children with spina bifida lead fulfilling and independent lives
My child has difficulty with bowel and bladder control. How can therapy help?
Difficulties with bowel and bladder control are common in children with spina bifida. Our team, including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Dietitians, can work together to address this. We’ll provide strategies for bladder and bowel management, including timed voiding, and dietary modifications. We’ll also work on strengthening pelvic floor muscles and improving mobility to support independence in toileting.
What types of mobility aids or assistive devices might my child need, and how can I access them?
The need for mobility aids and assistive devices will depend on your child’s individual needs. Our therapists can assess your child’s mobility and recommend appropriate aids, such as walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, or orthotics. We can also provide guidance on how to access funding for these devices through the NDIS or other sources. We’ll work closely with you to ensure your child has the support they need to move around safely and independently.
My child is receiving multiple therapies. How can we coordinate everything and ensure it's all working together?
We understand the importance of coordinated care. At South West Kids Clinic, our therapists work collaboratively as a team. We communicate regularly with each other to ensure that all therapies are aligned and working towards your child’s overall goals. We also encourage open communication with you, the parents, to ensure you are informed and involved in the process. We will work with you to develop a schedule that works for your family and facilitates communication between all involved parties.
