Intellectual Impairments
Conditions primarily resulting in Intellectual/Learning Impairments
Physiotherapists have long been acknowledged as important providers of services for people with a disability. An appropriate level of physiotherapy can promote social inclusion through optimising a person’s function and encouraging participation in the economic and social life of the community.
People with an intellectual or learning disability may require specific teaching approaches within therapy interventions to accommodate their cognitive and learning needs. Our NDIS Physiotherapists are experienced in providing programs to improve motor skills in school-aged children and adults. We can provide therapy in our clinic, at your home, school or workplace.
Intellectual Disability
Most people with intellectual disabilities have greater health needs than the general population. They are more likely to experience mental illness and are more prone to chronic illnesses such as epilepsy, physical and sensory impairments. They may also have communication difficulties which may make accessing health care difficult for them.
Our NDIS therapy team is experienced in working with NDIS participants, and their care team, in providing Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology programs tailored to meet the needs of each individual. We understand the complex health needs that people with intellectual disabilities may have and can implement patient-centred care.
Autism
Autism is diagnosed based on a checklist of behavioural characteristics across a broad spectrum. These include social skills, sensory issues, gross motor skills, attention span, communication, and the ability to learn. Autism can also be referred to as ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and ASC (autism spectrum condition). Some people with autism are NDIS participants, and some people with autism also have a learning disability, which can be mild, moderate or severe. And some people with autism have much higher intelligence than the average person!
At 4 Life Physiotherapy, Autism is one of the most common diagnoses that our NDIS therapists see. Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology intervention is focused around promoting gross motor skills, range of movement, balance and body awareness, for participation in school and family life. We work alongside your existing therapy team which may include occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech therapists among others.
Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome (sometimes called Down’s syndrome), is a lifelong developmental condition, caused by a genetic mutation. It is also called Trisomy 21, as the child is born with an extra copy of their 21st chromosome. The characteristics of DS include low muscle tone, hypermobility (extra bendy joints), weakness, different facial features and learning disabilities. The DS spectrum is wide, and no two people are affected the same.
Regardless of the lifelong disability, persons with DS are still able to live a healthy and fulfilled life. Young persons with DS often want to keep up with their peers. Our programs aim to improve functional independence, by working on gross motor skills and strengthening which will assist with the meaningful integration into social circles. Our programs are evidence-based and create effective interventions to combat the challenges experience both those living with DS.