Developmental Disorders
Neurobehavioral disorder characterized by poor self-organization, impulsivity, distractibility, and/or hyperactivity. May experience sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, low frustration tolerance, and self-esteem issues.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Injury to the brain resulting from an external force to the skull. Injury can be rated acutely using the Glascow Coma Scale for patients 5 and older; a pediatric version must be used for patients under the age of 5.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Chronic respiratory disease caused by bronchial smooth muscle hyperactivity leading to labored breathing and coughing and a feeling of chest constriction.
Asthma
Characterized by an additional chromosome on 21st chromosome. Characteristic facial features include slanted eyes and flattened nasal bridge. Typically have low muscle tone. Intellectual disability common.
Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome
Excessive worrying, fear, and nonadpative responses to stress that can often lead to physical response (like vomiting), overwhelming negative thoughts, somatic symptoms, and physiological arousal.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Characterized by deficits in social communication/interaction, restricted and/or repetitive patterns of behavior, and potential language delays. Often demonstrate significant sensory processing differences.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Head trauma often resulting from neglect or abuse that leads to long-term damage. Trauma can result in developmental delays, visual impairments, and/or cognitive impairments.
Abusive Head Trauma/Shake Baby Syndrome
Group pediatric cancers involving chronic tumor disorders of bone marrow.
Only found in boys. Disorder that is characterized by fat and scar tissue build and muscle fiber degeneration, leading to progressive weakness and loss of function.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Characterized by recurring, disruptive, and intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety and compulsive, ritualistic, repetitive patterns of behavior.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Caused by use of alcohol during pregnancy. Symptoms often include intellectual disability, microencephaly, low body weight, heart defects, among others.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders
When two unprovoked transient disturbances of brain function occur at least 24 hours apart.
Epilepsy
Caused by a shortened sternocleidomastoid muscle, leading to a rotated and/or tilted head. Occurs in infants.
Torticollis
Characterized by low muscle tone, delayed gross and fine motor skills, and learning disability. Typically affects boys more than girls. Behavioral patterns are often hyperactive or neurodivergent in nature. Language is often delayed.
Fragile X Syndrome
Characterized by limiting food intake, intense fear of being overweight, excessive use of exercise, and distorted body perception.
Anorexia Nervosa (restrictive)
Caused by damage or abnormal development in the brain prior to or at birth. Various types have different symptoms, but most types are characterized by poor coordination, trouble with balance and mobility, and poor muscle control.
Cerebral Palsy
Occurs when one or more vertebrae are not formed properly due to a malformed spinal canal. Can cause variable paresis of the lower limbs, muscle imbalance, sensory challenges, bowel and bladder denervation, and scoliosis.
Spina Bifida
Joint inflammation and stiffness. Can also experience rashes, weight loss, and fevers. Umbrella term.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Only occurs in girls; Development is typical during first 6-18 months, then functional use of extremities decreases. Mobility and language are generally impaired. Repetitive/constant hand movements are common.
Rett Syndrome
Anxiety disorder arising as a response to a traumatic event. Symptoms often include recurring nightmares, difficulty sleeping, changes in eating habits, behavioral changes, self-isolation.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Not recognized as an official diagnosis. Characterized by decreased ability to organize sensory information and respond accordingly. Can lead to behavior or coordination issues.
Sensory Processing Disorder
Stretching or tearing of peripheral nerves in the brachial plexus during birth. Affected shoulder will adduct and internally rotate, elbow will extend, and wrist will flex.
Erb's Palsy
When eyes do not align properly, usually due to poor ocular muscle control.
Strabismus
Caused by cartilage not ossifying into bones, leading to shortened arms and legs. Can have fine motor deficits due to shortened fingers and elbow contractures. May need adaptive equipment and AT to increase independence.
Achondroplasia
Pica