Intervention Therapies

A holistic and multidisciplinary approach is recommended to ensure optimal management to improve the quality of life of Prader-Willi Syndrome patients throughout their lifetime.

To ensure a successful transition from childhood to adulthood in patients with PWS, a multidisciplinary team needs to share clinical information. It should keep the same policy about food, environmental, and psychiatric issues.

Early intervention should begin as soon as a diagnosis of Prader-Willi Syndrome has been made as it can result in significant improvements in cognitive, academic and social outcomes. This is certainly true for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome and research has shown that there are many benefits to beginning therapies early. For many individuals access to Therapy into adulthood is essential.

Speech Therapy

The most diagnosed speech disorder amongst people with Prader-Willi Syndrome that requires specialised attention is Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Once a child develops speech, articulation issues can continue throughout their lifetime.

Nutrition Therapy

The diet of someone with Prader-Willi Syndrome can be very different to the general population who are trying to maintain their weight. As we are learning more everyday about Prader-Willi Syndrome, It is important that your dietician has an understanding of the complexities of PWS and is abreast of all the latest research

Occupational Therapy

It’s recommended that occupational therapy begin as early in life as possible, ideally in infancy, to develop muscles and improve fine and gross motor skills. As the child grows older and gross motor skill development is addressed by a physical therapist.

Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy)

Physiotherapy for children with Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) primarily focusses on the child’s low muscle tone which can delay attainment of gross motor milestones. Early intervention should begin as soon as possible to carefully monitor and progress developmental milestones.

Behavioral Therapy

PWS can have significant impact on behavior, learning, mental and physical health, community inclusion and social relationships. People with PWS exhibit high anxiety, complex and challenging behaviors and cognitive dysfunction and delayed social and emotional development throughout their lives

Exercise Physiologist

Building incidental physical activity into your daily routine and to make exercise fun in the form of play. There are many activities both therapeutic and mainstream that your child may enjoy.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy with a qualified physiotherapist or occupational therapist can assist those with Prader-Willi Syndrome to strengthen muscles. Hydrotherapy can be especially beneficial for people who have difficulty with weight bearing activities.

Natural therapies

Including but not limited to; Naturopaths, Chinese medicine, Massage and Behavioural Optometry.

Hippotherapy

A horse’s rocking and rhythmic gait works to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, core strength and is believed to improve cognitive skills.