What are the health conditions associated with autism?

Autism Tattoo from Laure Letitia

Autism Tattoo from Laure Letitia

What are the health conditions associated with autism?

Below are some other conditions known to be associated with ASD:

muscular dystrophy – a group of inherited genetic conditions that gradually cause the muscles to weaken

Down’s syndrome – a genetic condition that typically causes a learning disability and a range of physical features

cerebral palsy – conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, causing problems with movement and co-ordination

infantile spasms – a type of epilepsy that develops while a child is still very young (usually before they’re one year old)

neurofibromatosis – a number of genetic conditions that cause tumours to grow along the nerves (the main types are neurofibromatosis type 1 and neurofibromatosis type 2)

the rare genetic conditions fragile X syndrometuberous sclerosis and Rett syndrome 

The LATbelt – a great new tool for people with Multiple Sclerosis

LATBelt

LATBelt

Dr. Chris Glibert DPT, a pediatric physical therapist, has developed and brought to market a patent-pending manual assistance transfer device. Glibert utilized his Northwestern University educational background to solve a problem he frequently encountered as a full-time school-based physical therapist.

Glibert found himself training and assisting staff in a variety of dependent transfers so that students would have the opportunity to learn in a multitude of environments and positions throughout the school day. Glibert soon discovered that both manual and mechanical transfers had their drawbacks. Mechanical transfers were cumbersome, expensive, and time consuming; additionally, many classrooms and restrooms could not accommodate the space these lifts required. Manual transfers were quick and efficient, but Glibert felt that the educational staff did not always abide by proper body mechanics, reducing the safety and increasing the chance of injury during transfers.

After designing and testing several prototypes, Glibert developed the Lift and Transfer Belt (LATbelt) as a compromise between mechanical and manual transfers. This easy-to-use, compact, cost-effective solution is a heavy duty gait belt that seamlessly connects to secured thigh straps. With this belt, two staff members can complete side-by-side or front-to-back dependent transfers in a standardized, safe manner.

The LATbelt is commonly used in conjunction with diagnoses of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and various spinal cord injuries. With this device, transfers can be conducted between the following: mat tables, wheelchairs, beds, vehicles, gait trainers, chairs, changing tables, standers, and toilets.

The LATbelt is currently being utilized by school districts across the United States. It also has implication for use in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, acute rehabilitation centers, home healthcare, adaptive sports, and recreational therapy.

To learn more, visit LATbelt.com.

Scoliosis – what are the signs and symptoms of Scoliosis and how can it be treated?


Scoliosis

Scoliosis

Some years ago I look a five week course in the Alexander technique to help me relax.   The Alexander Technique “teaches people how to stop using unnecessary levels of muscular and mental tension during their everyday activities”.  It is often used by people with back problems.  Indeed there was a lady in the group who suffered from scoliosis and she hoped that the technique would be of assistance.

This was the first but not the last time that I have come across Scoliosis in my professional and personal life.

Scoliosis is simply an abnormal curvature of the spine.  It should be noted that the effects and severity can be very different from person to person.

How common is it?  Until recently it was thought that Scoliosis was a condition which developed in childhood.  While 0.30% of children are born with Scoliosis it now seems that it may develop in  older people but only to a very minor degree.

The causes of Scoliosis really vary but in around 80% of cases they are simply unknown.  However people with Marfan syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Neurofibromatosis are all at higher risk.

Typical signs of Scoliosis are:-


1)      Visible curvature of the spine.  The lady at the group I was in did not have this.

2)      A tendency to lean to one particular side

3)      Clothes not hanging correctly

4)      There are some cases of bowel and bladder problems.

Back pain seems to be common with adults with Scoliosis.  You can read more about back pain at a previous blog https://patienttalk.org/?p=389.

A lot of children, with mild symptoms,  simply grow out of Scoliosis.  In some more severe occurrences a back brace can be used to help straighten the spine.  Unfortunately this can cause body image issues especially for adolescents.  It should be noted that surgery for children with Scoliosis is very rare.

With adults who have back pain various pain killers are often employed.

As well as raising awareness of Scoliosis one of the objectives of this blog post is to provide our readers with a space they can use to share their experiences.

It would be great if you could use the comments box below to tell us a bit about how Scoliosis has impacted you and your family.  It would be great if you could consider the following questions:-

a)      What were your signs of Scoliosis?  At what age was the diagnosis of Scoliosis made?

b)      Did you need treatments?  How effective were these treatments?

c)       Has Scoliosis had any long term effects on your lifestyle?

d)      Is there one piece of advice you would give to somebody whose child has been diagnosed with Scoliosis?

There questions are really only suggestions.  Anything would want to share about Scoliosis would be of great interest to our readers.

Thanks very much in advance.