Functional rehabilitation of delayed developmental milestones with integrated approach – Case report

Abstract

Delay in development of language, thinking, social or motor milestones is called developmental delay. Developmental delays are common in childhood, occurring in 10%–15% preschool children. Delay in development is caused by impairment in any of the following distinct domains, such as gross and fine motor, speech and language, cognitive and performance, social, psychological, sexual, and activities of daily living. It can be isolated (involving a single domain), multiple (involving two or more domains), or global (affecting most of the developmental areas). In order to avoid long term disability, early detection, and intervention is essential. Early and easy detection of mile stone delay are inability to hold head and neck at 3 months of age and sit without support by 9 months. This paper presents a case report of child aged16 months with delayed developmental milestones functionally rehabilitated with integrated approach. Child could not crawl or stand with support, could only sit without support at 16 months of age. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary approach and appropriate early intervention are essential. With integrated treatments of Ayurveda and Physiotherapy the results were encouraging giving the child more physical freedom; the same is presented in detail.